A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Le Mans for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Le Mans?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Le Mans? 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.

Where Should I go: Funchal or Le Mans?

Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a city in France, on the Sarthe River. Le Mans is found about 80 kilometers north of Tours, and south of Alencon. To many of course, Le Mans is famous only for a 24 hour racing event once a year. If you are not interested in cars and car racing, it is best to avoid visiting Le Mans in the middle of June. However, Le Mans also has a fantastic old town and is well worth the visit. Known as the Cite Plantagenet, this is where in 1129 Geoffrey Plantagenet married Matilda, daughter of Henry I of England and gave birth to Henry II.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Le Mans is €83. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Funchal and Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Le Mans? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Funchal


Hotels in Le Mans


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Funchal Hotel Prices and Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Le Mans 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
  • PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
  • Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
  • Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
  • Madeira Island Transfers: $53
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans and Funchal change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Funchal 31
    Le Mans 27
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • Coffee
    1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal

For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $31
  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
  • Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Le Mans 15

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • Low Cost Wheelchair Handicap Half Day Tour, Fully Accessible Tour : $76
  • “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $47
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $71
  • Accessible Half Day Tour Cabo Girão: $120
  • Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $158
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  • Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day: $60
  • Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $49
  • Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
  • Around the island - Two days tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Le Mans 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $49
  • Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $53
  • Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $53
  • Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $56
  • Pub Crawl: $59
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
  • Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $97
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $102
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
  • Wine Tour by Overland Madeira: $150
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Le Mans, we can see that Funchal 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 Funchal Expensive? and Is Le Mans Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Le Mans?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Le Mans, 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 Funchal or Le Mans?

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 Funchal or Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

Funchal is much warmer than Le Mans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Le Mans. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Le Mans. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Le Mans can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Le Mans averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Le Mans. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm.

In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Le Mans. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Funchal

Funchal Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)