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

Should you visit Caen or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Caen and Aix-en-Provence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant, laid-back, and relaxing town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Caen than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than Caen, Caen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Caen is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Caen 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 Caen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Caen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Caen or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

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

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

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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 the Shopping Better in Caen or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Caen 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 Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

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 Caen or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Aix-en-Provence makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

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

Caen and Aix-en-Provence are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

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

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen 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 Caen can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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 Caen or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

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

How long in Caen or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Caen or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Aix-en-Provence?

The park-filled destination of Caen offers food and museums. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Caen or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Caen offers museums and nightlife. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Aix-en-Provence?

Caen is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the food and museums when visiting Caen. 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.

The historic town of Aix-en-Provence offers museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Caen and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

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

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Caen or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Aix-en-Provence. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Caen is cooler than Aix-en-Provence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Caen as well as Aix-en-Provence. The winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. In the winter, Caen is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in January than Aix-en-Provence. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Aix-en-Provence and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty.

In April, Caen is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aix-en-Provence. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Caen