A Travel Price Comparison for France Biarritz vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Biarritz or Arles?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Arles? 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 dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arles. Although Biarritz and Arles are both popular with visitors, Arles has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arles is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Biarritz different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles 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 Arles?

Arles is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Arles are world-renowned. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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 Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Biarritz and Arles.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).

Dining out in Arles is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Biarritz or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Biarritz or Arles Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Arles Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for the beach. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Arles Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Arles is one of the most recognized in the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Arles?

Biarritz is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Biarritz or Arles Better for Families?

Biarritz is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Biarritz or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Arles make for a great place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Biarritz or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and Arles.

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 Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Biarritz or Arles a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Arles 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.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Arles 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 Arles?

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful town of Arles offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Arles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Arles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Arles?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Arles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Arles?

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Arles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Arles, 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 Arles?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Biarritz or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Biarritz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Biarritz. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Arles. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Arles. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Arles. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Arles. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Arles. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Biarritz is a little warmer than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Arles. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Arles. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Biarritz