A Travel Price Comparison for France Dijon vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Dijon or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Dijon or Annecy? 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a historical, cultural, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dijon and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dijon or Annecy?

Both Annecy and Dijon have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Dijon is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Annecy attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Dijon and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

How is Dijon different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dijon is a great city 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 Dijon specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Dijon and Annecy.

For foodies, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is Dijon or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Dijon and Annecy.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

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.

Is Dijon or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Annecy has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is Dijon or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Annecy?

Both Dijon and Annecy are nice shopping destinations.

Dijon is a great destination for shopping. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Dijon or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Dijon or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is terrific for romance. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Dijon or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dijon and Annecy are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Dijon or Annecy Better for Students?

Dijon is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Both Dijon and Annecy offer nice public transit options.

Dijon has a few public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Annecy has some public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Dijon or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Dijon or Annecy. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Annecy than Dijon. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Dijon or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dijon. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dijon or Annecy?

Dijon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dijon or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dijon or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Dijon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Annecy?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Dijon 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 Dijon or Annecy?

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 Dijon or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Annecy. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dijon is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dijon in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. In the summer, Dijon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dijon is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 13°C (55°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Dijon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during autumn. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dijon usually receives less rain than Annecy. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dijon or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Dijon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Dijon is cooler than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Annecy. Most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dijon is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dijon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Dijon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during spring. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dijon usually receives less rain than Annecy. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Dijon