A Travel Price Comparison for France Giverny vs. Biarritz for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Giverny or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Giverny 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.

Giverny

Giverny is a serene, inspiring, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Giverny and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Giverny or Biarritz?

Both Biarritz and Giverny have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Giverny is better known for its museums and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Giverny is more touristy than Biarritz and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Giverny different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Giverny or Biarritz?

Giverny
Biarritz

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

Giverny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

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 Giverny or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Giverny
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Giverny or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Biarritz for the nightlife scene. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Giverny
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a resort destination.


Is Giverny or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Giverny
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for the beache. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Biarritz?

Giverny
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Biarritz Better for Families?

Giverny
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.


Is Giverny or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Giverny
Biarritz

With fun activities for couples, both Giverny and Biarritz make for a high quality place to visit.

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Giverny or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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

Giverny
Biarritz

Giverny and Biarritz both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

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


Is Giverny or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Giverny
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

For even more information, also check out Is Giverny Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Biarritz?

Both Giverny 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 Giverny. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Giverny, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than Giverny. 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 Giverny. 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 Giverny 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.


  • How many days in Giverny or Biarritz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Giverny 1-2 
    Biarritz 3-7

One day in Giverny or Biarritz?

The beautiful town of Giverny offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Giverny or Biarritz?

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

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Giverny or Biarritz?

Giverny is a popular choice for travelers. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Biarritz?

Giverny is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Giverny?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Giverny is €125, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is €131. 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 Giverny and Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Biarritz 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Biarritz 148
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Biarritz? 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 Giverny


Hotels in Biarritz


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: Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Biarritz 39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $228
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $166
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $166
  • Departure Private Transfer Biarritz to Biarritz Airport BIQ by Luxury vehicles: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Private Transfer BIQ Biarritz Airport to Biarritz Downtown: $81
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz and Giverny 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
    Giverny 35
    Biarritz 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Biarritz 16

Tours and Activities in Giverny

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

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Bayonne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $279
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Biarritz, Bayonne, and Basque Country: Private Driving Tour: $957
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: $187
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • French Basque Country Coastline tour in a 70'sVW Van: $457
  • French Basque Country Private Day Tour in an 70's VW Combi: $599

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Biarritz 8.05


When comparing the travel costs between Giverny and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz 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 Giverny Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Giverny or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny 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 Giverny or Biarritz?

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 Giverny or Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Biarritz. The summer months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm 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.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Giverny 20°C (68°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Biarritz. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Giverny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Giverny is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Giverny in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Giverny usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Giverny for the museums 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 Giverny. In January, Giverny is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 5°C (40°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In January, Giverny usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Giverny during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Giverny in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Giverny usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Giverny

Giverny Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)


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