A Travel Price Comparison for France Dijon vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dijon or Arles?

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

Should I visit Dijon or Arles? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dijon or Arles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dijon than Arles. Dijon is bigger than Arles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dijon is better known for its food and big city activities, while Arles is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Dijon is more touristy than Arles and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. Also, Dijon is famous for The Ducal Palace. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Dijon different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Arles that are not to be missed. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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.

Is the Food Better in Dijon or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Dijon or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Dijon and Arles.

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 Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Dijon or Arles Better for its Old Town?

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

Arles has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Arles?

Both Dijon and Arles are notable 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 Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Dijon or Arles Better for Families?

Dijon is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dijon. 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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Dijon or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dijon and Arles make for a great place to visit.

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Arles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Dijon or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dijon is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Dijon or Arles Better for Students?

Dijon is very good for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Dijon is popular with students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Both Dijon and Arles offer notable public transit options.

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

Arles has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Dijon or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles 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.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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 Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dijon or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dijon than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dijon than Arles 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 Dijon.

One day in Dijon or Arles?

In Dijon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dijon or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Arles?

Dijon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dijon. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Dijon. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Arles. 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 museums. 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 comparing the travel costs between Dijon and Arles, we can see that Dijon 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 Dijon Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Arles?

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

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 Dijon or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Arles. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dijon is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 21°C (70°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Dijon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dijon usually receives more rain than Arles. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dijon or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Dijon is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Dijon usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dijon is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dijon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dijon usually receives less rain than Arles. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dijon or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Dijon during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

In April, Dijon is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 11°C (53°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Dijon