A Travel Price Comparison for France Carcassonne vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Carcassonne or Annecy?

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 Carcassonne and Annecy. 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Carcassonne and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Carcassonne and Annecy are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums. Annecy is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Carcassonne different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and Carcassonne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carcassonne or Annecy?

Carcassonne is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. 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 Carcassonne or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Carcassonne or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Annecy has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is Carcassonne or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Annecy?

Annecy is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Annecy Better for Families?

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

Annecy is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Annecy is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Carcassonne or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Carcassonne or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Carcassonne and Annecy.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

You'll find some public transit in Annecy, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Carcassonne or Annecy a more walkable city?

Carcassonne is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its ease of walking around.

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Carcassonne or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Carcassonne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne than Annecy 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 Carcassonne.

One day in Carcassonne or Annecy?

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

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Annecy?

Carcassonne 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This alpine town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Annecy?

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

Because Annecy is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carcassonne and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Annecy?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Annecy?

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 Carcassonne or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Annecy. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Annecy. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Carcassonne is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets more rain in October than Annecy. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. Carcassonne is much warmer than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Carcassonne during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In the spring, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Carcassonne