A Travel Price Comparison for France Calais vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Calais or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Calais or Annecy? 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 undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Calais and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Calais and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its beaches and big city activities. Annecy is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Calais or Annecy.

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.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Calais or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy 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, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calais and Annecy.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Calais or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Calais is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. 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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Calais or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Annecy can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Calais or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Annecy?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Annecy and Calais.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Calais or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Calais offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Calais or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

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 Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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 Annecy 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 Annecy.

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 Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Calais or Annecy a more walkable city?

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

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect 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 Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Calais?

How long in Calais or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Calais or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy 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 Annecy.

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

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

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

One day in Calais or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Calais or Annecy?

Calais 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.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Calais. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calais and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Calais.

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Annecy?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Calais and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

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 Calais or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Calais during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Calais is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Calais. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Annecy. Many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Calais is cooler than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Calais usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Annecy. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Calais or Annecy in the Winter?

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

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Calais can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Calais is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in January than Annecy. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Calais is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Calais usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Annecy. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Calais