A Travel Price Comparison for France Biarritz vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Biarritz or Annecy?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Biarritz or Annecy? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Annecy is more touristy than Biarritz and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Biarritz different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and Biarritz. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Biarritz or Annecy?

Annecy is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Biarritz or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Biarritz has something for everybody. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Annecy?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Annecy.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Biarritz or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Biarritz and Annecy.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Annecy, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Biarritz or Annecy a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Annecy are great when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Biarritz or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Biarritz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Biarritz. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Biarritz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Annecy if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Biarritz.

One day in Biarritz or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Annecy?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Biarritz and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Biarritz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Biarritz Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Annecy, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Biarritz or Annecy?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Biarritz or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Annecy. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Annecy. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Biarritz is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Annecy. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. In January, Biarritz is generally much warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 8°C (47°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Biarritz usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Annecy. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Annecy. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Biarritz