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

Should you visit Caen or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen attracts visitors for its museums. Bordeaux is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caen is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

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 Caen or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Bordeaux.

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.

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.

Is Caen or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Bordeaux?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Caen and Bordeaux are nice 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 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.

Is Caen or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen and Bordeaux are both nice 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 Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Caen or Bordeaux Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bordeaux. 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.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Caen and Bordeaux.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Public transit in Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Caen or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux 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.

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

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Caen?

How long in Caen or Bordeaux?

In either Caen or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Caen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

One day in Caen or Bordeaux?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Bordeaux?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the charming destination of Bordeaux. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

The charming city of Bordeaux offers nightlife 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 Bordeaux, we can see that Caen 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 Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caen or Bordeaux?

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

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Caen is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caen in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bordeaux. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Caen as well as Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Caen is cooler than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Caen usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Caen is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Caen