A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carcassonne vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Carcassonne or Varenna?

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 Varenna. 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Varenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Varenna. Although Carcassonne and Varenna are popular destinations, Varenna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Varenna is very popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Varenna is famous for its beautiful location by Lake Como. It is also well known for Lake Como.

Lake Como

How is Carcassonne different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Carcassonne is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Carcassonne. 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 Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

Is the Food Better in Carcassonne or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna 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 Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Varenna is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Varenna. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a good destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Carcassonne. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Carcassonne or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna 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 Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Varenna?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Carcassonne and Varenna 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 Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Carcassonne or Varenna Better for Couples?

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

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

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

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 Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Carcassonne or Varenna a more walkable city?

Carcassonne and Varenna are terrific when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Carcassonne or Varenna to fill your time. In our opinion, Varenna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Varenna than Carcassonne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than Varenna 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 Varenna?

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the pristine village of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Varenna?

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carcassonne has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Varenna. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This village 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 Varenna?

Carcassonne is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The scenic village of Varenna offers museums and food. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Varenna. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carcassonne and Varenna, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Varenna?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In the summer, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Varenna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Varenna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Varenna. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Carcassonne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Carcassonne is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Varenna. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. Carcassonne is much warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Varenna. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Varenna. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Varenna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Carcassonne