A Travel Price Comparison for France Carcassonne vs. Bordeaux for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

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.

Carcassonne and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux. Although Carcassonne and Bordeaux are popular destinations, Bordeaux has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bordeaux is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Bordeaux is more touristy than Carcassonne and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Carcassonne different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 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 Carcassonne or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux 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 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 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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the nice old town areas in both Carcassonne and Bordeaux.

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Carcassonne and Bordeaux are nice family-friendly destinations.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly town. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Carcassonne or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bordeaux is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Carcassonne or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Carcassonne is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Bordeaux?

In either Carcassonne or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Carcassonne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Carcassonne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bordeaux than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne than Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

Carcassonne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carcassonne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Bordeaux. This city 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 Bordeaux?

Carcassonne 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 shopping and museums when visiting the historical city of Bordeaux. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Bordeaux?

Carcassonne 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 town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Carcassonne and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux 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 Carcassonne Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Bordeaux in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°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 Carcassonne. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Carcassonne is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bordeaux. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty 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, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during spring. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Carcassonne