A Travel Price Comparison for France Bordeaux vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence? 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bordeaux is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its shopping. Bordeaux is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Bordeaux different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Bordeaux. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence.

Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence both to be fantastic destinations.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Aix-en-Provence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Is Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Aix-en-Provence is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Aix-en-Provence is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence are very good places to visit for students.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Aix-en-Provence is very popular with students. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Is Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bordeaux is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bordeaux can get you to most places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence both are very good when exploring on foot.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bordeaux due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bordeaux than Aix-en-Provence 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

The charming destination of Bordeaux offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence offers food and shopping. 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 Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Bordeaux offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Aix-en-Provence 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aix-en-Provence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Aix-en-Provence 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 Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence than you might in Bordeaux.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bordeaux Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bordeaux is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Aix-en-Provence. The spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In the spring, Bordeaux is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bordeaux in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Bordeaux