A Travel Price Comparison for France Bordeaux vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bordeaux or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Annecy is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is well known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Annecy is well known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting.

How is Bordeaux different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Bordeaux and Annecy.

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 Annecy. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Bordeaux and Annecy both to be world-class 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.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is Bordeaux or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bordeaux or Annecy has a better nightlife scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Bordeaux or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Annecy is revered around 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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is Bordeaux or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Annecy?

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

Bordeaux is well-known for its shopping. 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.

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 Bordeaux or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very kid-friendly alpine town. 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Bordeaux or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Bordeaux or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux and Annecy are notable 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.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Bordeaux or Annecy Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. 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.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

Bordeaux has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Bordeaux or Annecy a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Annecy both are great when exploring on foot.

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

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Bordeaux or Annecy. 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 Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Bordeaux or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux or Annecy?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. 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 Bordeaux or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Bordeaux or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the elegant destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 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 Annecy, we can see that Annecy 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 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 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 Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Annecy?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or Annecy?

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 Bordeaux or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Bordeaux during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Annecy. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Annecy. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Bordeaux 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, Bordeaux is generally much warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bordeaux usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Annecy in the Spring?

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

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

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Annecy. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Bordeaux