A Travel Price Comparison for France Caen vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Caen or Avignon?

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 Avignon. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Caen travel costs.

Avignon

Avignon is a quaint, charming, and scenic town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Avignon travel costs.

Caen and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Avignon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Avignon than Caen. While Caen is larger than Avignon, Avignon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Avignon is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Caen is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Avignon is more touristy than Caen and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Also, Avignon is famous for Palais des Papes. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Avignon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Is the Food Better in Caen or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity 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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Caen is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Caen or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Avignon?

Avignon is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Avignon. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Avignon Better for Families?

Both Caen and Avignon are notable family-friendly destinations.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Caen or Avignon Better for Couples?

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

Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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 Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen and Avignon 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 Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Caen or Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Caen or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy 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 Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Caen?

How long in Caen or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Caen or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Caen than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon 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 Avignon.

One day in Caen or Avignon?

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or Avignon?

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caen has to offer.

Avignon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Avignon?

Caen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Because Avignon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caen and Avignon, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Caen.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Avignon?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Caen or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives more rain than Avignon. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

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

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Avignon. Many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. In the winter, Caen is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Avignon. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as Avignon. Many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In the spring, Caen often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Caen