A Travel Price Comparison for France Calais vs. Biarritz for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Calais or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Calais or Biarritz? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Calais and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Calais. Although Calais and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Calais has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Calais is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Biarritz is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall.

How is Calais different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Calais is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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 Calais or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Biarritz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. 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).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Calais or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Calais or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. 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.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Biarritz?

Biarritz is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

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 Biarritz Better for Families?

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

Biarritz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

Biarritz is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

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 Biarritz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Calais or Biarritz a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Calais?

How long in Calais or Biarritz?

Both Calais 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 Calais. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Calais, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 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 Biarritz.

One day in Calais or Biarritz?

The city of Calais offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Calais or Biarritz?

Calais 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 Calais, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Calais or Biarritz?

Calais 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Biarritz?

Calais 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Biarritz, 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 Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calais or Biarritz?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Calais as well as Biarritz. The summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In July, Calais is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In the summer, Calais often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Calais is cooler than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Calais or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Calais during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. In the winter, Calais is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Calais usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In April, Calais is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Calais usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Calais