A Travel Price Comparison for France Honfleur vs. Biarritz for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Honfleur or Biarritz?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Honfleur and Biarritz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a picturesque, scenic, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Honfleur and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Honfleur or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Biarritz. Although Honfleur and Biarritz are popular destinations, Biarritz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Biarritz is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Honfleur and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also well known for Grande Plage. Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Honfleur different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honfleur is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

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 Honfleur or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Honfleur is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Honfleur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. 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).

Is Honfleur or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Honfleur or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Honfleur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Honfleur is not a resort destination.

Is Honfleur or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for the beache.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Is the Shopping Better in Honfleur or Biarritz?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Honfleur or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Honfleur or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Both Honfleur and Biarritz are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Honfleur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Honfleur or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

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

Biarritz is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Honfleur or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Honfleur and Biarritz are great when it comes to walkability.

Honfleur is very walkable. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Honfleur?

How long in Honfleur or Biarritz?

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

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

One day in Honfleur or Biarritz?

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

The seaside town of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Honfleur or Biarritz?

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

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Honfleur or Biarritz?

Honfleur is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Honfleur or Biarritz?

Honfleur is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. This seaside town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, and The Best Luxury Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Honfleur or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Honfleur 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.