A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carcassonne vs. Cesky Krumlov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Carcassonne or Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov. 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.

Where Should I go: Carcassonne or Cesky Krumlov?

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carcassonne and Cesky Krumlov, we can see that Carcassonne is more expensive. And not only is Cesky Krumlov much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cesky Krumlov would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cesky Krumlov 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 Carcassonne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Carcassonne than you might in Cesky Krumlov.

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Cesky Krumlov?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Carcassonne is a little warmer than Cesky Krumlov in the summer. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Cesky Krumlov. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Carcassonne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Carcassonne is much warmer than Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 108 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets more rain in October than Cesky Krumlov. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Cesky Krumlov. The winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cesky Krumlov in the winter. In January, Carcassonne is generally much warmer than Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 8°C (47°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Cesky Krumlov. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Carcassonne is a little warmer than Cesky Krumlov in the spring. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 155 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cesky Krumlov. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Carcassonne