A Travel Price Comparison for France Dijon vs. Biarritz for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dijon or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Dijon or Biarritz? 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 relaxing, historical, and cultural 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Dijon and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dijon or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dijon. Although Dijon and Biarritz are popular destinations, Dijon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dijon is very popular for its museums, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also well known for The Ducal Palace. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Dijon different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dijon is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Dijon is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Dijon or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Biarritz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Dijon or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is notable for its resorts. However, Dijon is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Dijon is not a resort destination.

Is Dijon or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is notable for its beaches. However, Dijon is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Biarritz?

Biarritz is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Biarritz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. 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.

Is Dijon or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dijon and Biarritz make for a high quality 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.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Dijon or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is notable for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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.

Is Dijon or Biarritz Better for Students?

Dijon is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Both Dijon and Biarritz offer nice public transit options.

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

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Dijon or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Biarritz?

Both Dijon and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Dijon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

One day in Dijon or Biarritz?

The city of Dijon offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dynamic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside 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 Biarritz?

Dijon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dijon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dijon or Biarritz?

Dijon is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dijon or Biarritz?

Dijon is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Biarritz, we can see that Dijon is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon than you might in Biarritz.

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

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Biarritz?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Dijon and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Dijon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Dijon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the summer, Dijon is around the same temperature as Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dijon in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dijon. In the summer, Dijon often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Biarritz. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Dijon is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 13°C (55°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dijon usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dijon or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Biarritz. Many travelers come to Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dijon. Dijon is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Dijon usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dijon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Dijon is around the same temperature as Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dijon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Dijon usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Dijon usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Dijon