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

Should you visit Giverny or Bordeaux?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Bordeaux? 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 inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Giverny and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Giverny or Bordeaux?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is more popular for its museums & sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Giverny is well known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Bordeaux is well known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André.

How is Giverny different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Giverny is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

Is the Food Better in Giverny or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a popular place for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bordeaux. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Bordeaux?

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

Bordeaux is well-known for its shopping. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Bordeaux is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Giverny and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Giverny or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Giverny and Bordeaux are notable places to visit.

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

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Giverny or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Bordeaux has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Giverny has a few public transit options. 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.

Is Giverny or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Bordeaux?

In either Giverny or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Giverny because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Giverny, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Giverny or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer.

Five days in Giverny or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Giverny or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Giverny or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Bordeaux. The summer months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Giverny this time of the year. In the summer, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets more rain in July than Bordeaux. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Giverny or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Giverny is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Giverny in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Giverny usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Giverny or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Giverny during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux 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 cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 5°C (40°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Giverny usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Giverny or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Giverny in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Giverny usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Giverny