A Travel Price Comparison for France Caen vs. Biarritz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Caen or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz. 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 park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Caen and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Caen. Although Caen and Biarritz are popular destinations, Caen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Caen is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Caen and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. It is also well known for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Caen different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caen is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Caen and Biarritz.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Caen or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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.

Is Caen or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Caen is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Caen or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Biarritz?

Biarritz is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly destination. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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.

Is Caen or Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

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

Caen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Caen or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Caen?

How long in Caen or Biarritz?

Both Caen and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Caen. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Biarritz?

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Biarritz?

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Biarritz?

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quirky destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Caen or Biarritz?

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural seaside town of Biarritz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caen or Biarritz?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Caen 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 Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Caen is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caen in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. Caen usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Biarritz in the Winter?

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

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Caen is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Caen usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Caen is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Caen usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Caen