A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Aix-en-Provence for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence? 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.

Where Should I go: Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence?

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a city in the south of France about 20 miles north of Marseille. It was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. A walking trail links sites including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cezanne. The white limestone mountain Sainte-Victoire overlooking the city as well as the surrounding countryside were frequent subjects of his works. The city is all class with its flourishing boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois relax on terraces sipping espresso. While Aix-en-Provence is a student hub, its upscale appeal make it more unique and charming to visit than some university towns.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Aix-en-Provence or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Aix-en-Provence is €138. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Coimbra and Aix-en-Provence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Aix-en-Provence 81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Aix-en-Provence 162
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Aix-en-Provence

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Coimbra


Hotels in Aix-en-Provence


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Aix-en-Provence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Aix-en-Provence 33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147
  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Marseille Cruise Port Transfer to Aix en Provence: $118
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/To Cassis Van 7 pax: $269
  • Aix en Provence: Guided Driving Tour with Hotel Transfer: $1,390
  • Aix en Provence Transfer to Marseille Cruise port: $118
  • Aix TGV transfer to Marseille Port or Airport or Aix city: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence?

Prices for flights to both Aix-en-Provence and Coimbra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Coimbra 48
    Aix-en-Provence 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49

Typical Food Prices in Aix-en-Provence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:


  • Dinner for 2
    47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.

  • NO DIET CLUB - Best food tour in Aix en Provence (En / Fr): $62
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Aix-en-Provence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Aix-en-Provence 22

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights: $6.99
  • Tomar: Unveiling the Templar Order with a Self-Guided Tour: $7.62
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Discover Coimbra's Legacy through a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket: $16

Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Aix en Provence City Tour with Wine and Cheese - From Aix: $82
  • 2-Hour Foodie Tour with 10 Tastings in Aix-en-Provence: $76
  • 2H: Wine-Tour in Provence: $274
  • 4-Hour Lavender Fields Tour in Valensole from Aix-en-Provence: $87
  • Aix en Provence City Tour with Wine and Cheese: $80
  • Aix-en-Provence Walking Food and Culture Tour - 3 hour private tour: $131
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Arles & Camargue National Park Private Tour: $1,016
  • Arles, Baux, & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Tour: $1,016
  • Avignon Tour & Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tasting: $1,048
  • E-Bike Tour of Mount Sainte-Victoire: $73
  • Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Aix-en-Provence 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence: $93
  • Half Day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix: $96
  • Half day Wine Tour in Côteaux Aix from Aix en Provence: $98
  • Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence: $104
  • From Wine Tour in Cezanne Countryside: $106
  • Provence small group half-day wine tour from Aix: $107
  • Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: $108
  • Aix en Provence: Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Full Day Wine Tour in Luberon with Tasting: $143
  • Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence: $151
  • Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix: $164
  • From Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting: $166


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coimbra Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Coimbra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the summer, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Aix-en-Provence. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Aix-en-Provence. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Coimbra is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during autumn. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Aix-en-Provence. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Coimbra is generally much warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra usually gets more rain in January than Aix-en-Provence. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during spring. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Coimbra

Coimbra Aix-en-Provence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)