Should I Visit Bordeaux or Fort-de-France for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Fort-de-France? 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.

Where Should I go: Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.

Fort-de-France

As the largest city and capital of Martinique, Fort-de-France serves as the main entryway for visitors traveling to the island. It is a busy city with a significant population, which creates an atmosphere bustling with traffic amidst its historic and cultural sights.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

Which place is cheaper, Fort-de-France or Bordeaux?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Bordeaux Prices
France Prices

Fort-de-France Prices
Martinique Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Bordeaux €156

Fort-de-France €194

The average daily cost (per person) in Bordeaux is €156, while the average daily cost in Fort-de-France is €194. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bordeaux and Fort-de-France in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Bordeaux €63

Fort-de-France €79
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Bordeaux €126

Fort-de-France €158

Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Fort-de-France

Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux or Fort-de-France? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bordeaux Hotel Prices and Fort-de-France Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Bordeaux €15

Fort-de-France €16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

Airport to Bordeaux Private Van Business Transfer: $261
Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $158
Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $141
Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Car: $131
Transferts Airport, Hotel, Station and others places Arcachon, Saint-Emilion on request: $115
Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $103
Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Luxury Van: $103
Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $103
Private Transfer Service: $103
Bordeaux : Private transfer to/from Mérignac Airport: $100
Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $98
Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort-de-France

Also for Fort-de-France, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Fort de France to Martinique Airport (FDF) - Departure Transfer: $66
Private Transfer from Fort de France to Fort de France Port: $96
Private Transfer from Martinique Airport to Fort de France Port: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Prices for flights to both Fort-de-France and Bordeaux change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Bordeaux €79

Fort-de-France €100

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux food tour: sweet specialities & highlights: $23
Best Boulangeries Food Tour: $32
Bordeaux Best Boulangeries Exclusive Food Tour - Semi Private: $57
No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $61
Bordeaux Exclusive Bakeries and Pastries Food Tour - Max 6 Ppl: $61
2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $71
Bordeaux Complete Morning Food Tour: $72
1.5h Exclusive Best Bakeries Food Tour - Max 8 ppl: $77
Food Tour in Bordeaux : $93
4h Night Food Tour of Bordeaux: $93
Organic : Bordeaux Food Tour: $102
Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $102

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort-de-France

For Fort-de-France, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Food tour in the rainforest and St Pierre - Pile et Face: $104

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Bordeaux €22

Fort-de-France €31

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

2 hours - Bordeaux Private tour with a native guide: $157
Aperitive guided cruise « Wine and Canelé »: $19
Blind Tasting: 5 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience: $51
Bordeaux : Afternoon Food and History Tour: $56
Bordeaux : Food and History Tour: $91
Bordeaux : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $26
Bordeaux Center Tour: $68
Bordeaux City - Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Sophia: $94
Bordeaux Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.34
Bordeaux Full Day Wine and Bike Tour : $183
Bordeaux Gourmet FoodTour A journey through local delicacies: $36
Bordeaux Historic Center & Vineyards Gravel Bike Tour : $127

Tours and Activities in Fort-de-France

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fort-de-France.

App-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
Habitation Clement - entrance ticket: $15
Small train tour of a banana farm in Martinique: $22
Fort-de-France Private 2-Hour Walking Tour: $26
Mangrove Guided Tour: $43
Half-Day Martinique Dolphin & Volcano Cruise: $62
Martinique: Coral and Turtle Coves Cruise with Snacks: $62
Fort-de-France Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour: $62
Karaib Tour: $66
Martinique Shore Excursion - Authentic Tour of Southern Martinique: $75
Martinique Shore Excursion - Unmissable Martinique North tour: $75
Authentic Tour of Southern Martinique: $75

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Bordeaux €26

Fort-de-France €10

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $10
Château Olivier: One Hour Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $15
Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
Wine Tasting Cruise: $22
Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $23
Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $26
Guided Bordeaux Wine Tasting Class with 6 Wines: $39
Chateau du Taillan and Park including Wine Tasting Tour: $42
Bordeaux Morning Wine Tasting Class: $46
Wine Tasting with a Certified Sommelier: $51
Wine tasting with a DipWSET, CMS Certified Sommelier : $52
Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $59

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort-de-France

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort-de-France:

Small-Group Tour: Unmissable Martinique with Rum Distillery, Ruins, and More: $75
North Tour: rainforest, rum distillery, black sand beach etc: $120

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Fort-de-France, we can see that Fort-de-France is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bordeaux is in Europe and Fort-de-France is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Fort-de-France would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort-de-France 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 Fort-de-France Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fort-de-France. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Fort-de-France, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Fort-de-France for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

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

Where Should I go: Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Bordeaux

Fort-de-France

Which place is cheaper, Fort-de-France or Bordeaux?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Fort-de-France

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort-de-France

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort-de-France

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Tours and Activities in Fort-de-France

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort-de-France

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Related Articles for Bordeaux

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Fort-de-France for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

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

Where Should I go: Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Bordeaux

Fort-de-France

Which place is cheaper, Fort-de-France or Bordeaux?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Fort-de-France

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort-de-France

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort-de-France

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Tours and Activities in Fort-de-France

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort-de-France

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Fort-de-France?

Related Articles for Bordeaux

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