A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fez vs. Versailles for Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Fez or Versailles?

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 Versailles 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 cultural, ancient, and winding city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums.

Fez and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fez than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Versailles is more touristy than Fez and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Fez is famous for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also well known for the Chouara Tannery.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Fez and Versailles.

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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Versailles on the map. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Fez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Fez or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Fez is mediocre for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fez or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Fez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Versailles?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Fez. 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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fez or Versailles Better for Families?

Fez is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Fez offers lots of family activities. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Fez or Versailles Better for Couples?

Both Fez and Versailles are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Fez makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Couples visit Versailles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Fez or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers frequent Fez. 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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Versailles can get you to some places easily. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles a more walkable city?

Fez and Versailles are high quality 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.

Versailles is a very walkable destination. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Fez?

How long in Fez or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fez or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fez than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fez than Versailles 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 Versailles?

When visiting Fez, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums around the beautiful destination of Versailles, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Fez or Versailles?

When visiting Fez, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many people visit Versailles for a weekend. With museums around the extensive palace of Versailles, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or Versailles?

Fez, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The destination of Versailles offers museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Versailles?

Fez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Versailles, a popular palace, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and Versailles, we can see that Versailles 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 Versailles 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles 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 Versailles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fez or Versailles?

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