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

Should you visit Biarritz or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Avignon? 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 quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Biarritz travel costs.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Avignon travel costs.

Biarritz and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Avignon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avignon. Although Biarritz and Avignon are both popular with visitors, Avignon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avignon is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Biarritz is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Biarritz is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Avignon is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also home to Palais des Papes.

How is Biarritz different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Avignon are world-renowned. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Biarritz or Avignon Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Avignon is not a resort destination.

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

Avignon is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Avignon Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a very popular place for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Avignon?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Biarritz or Avignon Better for Families?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Biarritz. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Biarritz or Avignon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Avignon make for a superb 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 Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Biarritz or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

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

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 Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Biarritz or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than Avignon 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 Avignon.

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than Avignon. 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.

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

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Avignon?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Avignon 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 Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Avignon?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Avignon is a great place to explore. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Biarritz and Avignon, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Avignon?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Avignon. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Biarritz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Avignon. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Avignon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Avignon. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Avignon. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Avignon. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Biarritz