A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Giverny vs. Hondarribia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Giverny or Hondarribia?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Hondarribia? 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: Giverny or Hondarribia?

Giverny

Giverny (pronounced jee-vair-knee) is a commune in Northern France. It sits on the right bank of the River Seine where it meets the River Epte. This area has been a settlement since Neolithic times and the town has various monuments from many periods of its long existence. Beginning around 1887, a number of American Impressionist artists settled to work in Giverny, drawn by the landscapes, the overall atmosphere, and the presence of Monet. It has now become a place of pilgrimage for many art lovers. It was here that Claude Monet lived for 43 years, until his death at the age of 86 in 1926. Although his house is now prized by connoisseurs of 19th-century interior decoration, it's his garden, with its Japanese-inspired water-lily pond and bridge, that remains the high point for many, as it is a 5-acre, three-dimensional Impressionist painting where you can stroll around at leisure. Most make this a day trip, but Giverny has some lovely lodgings, so you could also overnight here.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Giverny or Hondarribia?

Hondarribia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny and Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia?

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 Hondarribia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Hondarribia. Most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Giverny is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 20°C (68°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

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

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

Should I visit Giverny or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Hondarribia. The autumn months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Giverny is cooler than Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

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

Should I visit Giverny or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

It's quite cold in Giverny in the winter. In the winter, Giverny is much colder than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Giverny in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

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

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

Should I visit Giverny or Hondarribia in the Spring?

Both Hondarribia and Giverny during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Giverny is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 11°C (52°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Giverny