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

Should you visit Calais or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Calais or Aix-en-Provence? 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.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered 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 laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Calais and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calais is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Aix-en-Provence is more touristy than Calais and is known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also well known for The Town Hall.

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Calais or Aix-en-Provence.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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 Calais or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

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

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

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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 Calais or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Calais is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Aix-en-Provence is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

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

Calais 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 Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

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 Calais or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Aix-en-Provence.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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

Aix-en-Provence is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

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

How long in Calais or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Calais 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, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Calais, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Couples should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Aix-en-Provence?

The coastal destination of Calais offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Calais or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Calais offers food and shopping. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Calais or Aix-en-Provence?

Calais 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Calais and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

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

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Calais or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Calais is cooler than Aix-en-Provence in the summer. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Aix-en-Provence and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Calais is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Calais in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can be very cold during winter. In January, Calais is generally much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 4°C (40°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aix-en-Provence. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Aix-en-Provence. The spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

Calais is much colder than Aix-en-Provence in the spring. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Calais