A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. La Rochelle for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit Dover or La Rochelle?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and La Rochelle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Dover and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or La Rochelle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Rochelle. Although Dover and La Rochelle are both popular with visitors, La Rochelle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is Dover different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dover or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Is the Food Better in Dover or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is very good for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Dover is great for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Dover for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Dover or La Rochelle.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly town. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and La Rochelle are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is very good for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Dover is not popular with students.

Is Dover or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Rochelle is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

For even more information, also check out Is Dover Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Dover?

How long in Dover or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Dover 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Dover or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking town of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though La Rochelle 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 coastal 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 Dover or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Dover. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. 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 Dover or La Rochelle?

The stunning town of Dover offers food and museums. 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.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. La Rochelle 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 Dover or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Dover. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and La Rochelle, 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 Dover or La Rochelle?

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 Dover or La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dover as well as La Rochelle. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dover is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dover this time of the year. In the summer, Dover often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Dover is cooler than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Dover usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dover or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Dover during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In the winter, Dover is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dover usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Dover