A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fez vs. La Rochelle for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Fez or La Rochelle?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fez and La Rochelle can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Fez

Fez is a busy, colorful, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Fez and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or La Rochelle?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fez than La Rochelle. Fez is bigger than La Rochelle, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Fez is better known for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Fez is well known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. Also, Fez is famous for the Chouara Tannery. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fez is very popular for its historical sights. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Fez are world-renowned. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.

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.

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

Both Fez and La Rochelle offer a number of terrific restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.

Eat your way through La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Fez or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.

Is Fez or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in La Rochelle. 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.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Fez or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

Both Fez and La Rochelle have terrific historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Fez can be explored in its historical center. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Is Fez or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Fez is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Fez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or La Rochelle?

Fez is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Fez draws large crowds to its stores. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.

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.

Is Fez or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Both Fez and La Rochelle are notable to visit with kids.

Fez is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Rochelle. 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 Fez or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

La Rochelle is a great coastal town for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

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

Fez is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Fez is extremely popular for backpackers. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Fez or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.

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

Fez is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.

Is Fez or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Fez and La Rochelle are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Fez is a very walkable city. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Fez?

How long in Fez or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Fez or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

Couples should spend more time in La Rochelle than Fez. 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 Fez than La Rochelle 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 Fez.

One day in Fez or La Rochelle?

Fez is a colorful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Fez or La Rochelle?

Fez is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Many people visit La Rochelle for a weekend. La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or La Rochelle?

Fez is a colorful city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

A week in Fez or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Fez. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, 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 Fez and La Rochelle, we can see that La Rochelle is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fez is in Africa and La Rochelle is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fez 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 La Rochelle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Rochelle than you might in Fez.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or La Rochelle?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Fez 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.