A Travel Price Comparison for France Bordeaux vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Bordeaux or Arles?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux 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.

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.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, 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 nightlife.

Bordeaux and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bordeaux is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is known for its museums and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Arles and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Bordeaux different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. 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.

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

Bordeaux is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. 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 Bordeaux or Arles Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bordeaux or Arles 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 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 Bordeaux or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles 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 Arles is revered around the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

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 the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Arles?

Bordeaux 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 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.

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

Is Bordeaux or Arles Better for Families?

Bordeaux is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles 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, 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 Bordeaux or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bordeaux and Arles make for a great 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.

Arles is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Bordeaux or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Bordeaux or Arles Better for Students?

Bordeaux is well known for students. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

While Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Bordeaux or Arles a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Arles both are great when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bordeaux or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bordeaux than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

One day in Bordeaux or Arles?

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this romantic destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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 Bordeaux or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. 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 Bordeaux or Arles?

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bordeaux or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Bordeaux. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 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 Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Arles?

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

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 Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Arles. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Arles. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Arles. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 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 Arles. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Arles. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in April than Arles. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Bordeaux