A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Le Mans for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Interlaken or Le Mans?

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 Interlaken and Le Mans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a small, historic, and quaint town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and museums.

Interlaken and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Interlaken or Le Mans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Interlaken. Although Interlaken and Le Mans are both popular with visitors, Interlaken has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Le Mans is known for its museums, nightlife, and small town charm. Interlaken is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. It is also home to its many mountain views.. Le Mans is popular for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Interlaken different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Le Mans Better for Skiing?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Interlaken is very good for skiing. However, Le Mans is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Le Mans is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Interlaken or Le Mans?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Le Mans is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Le Mans is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Le Mans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Interlaken is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Interlaken or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Le Mans is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Interlaken or Le Mans Better for Hiking?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Interlaken is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

Is Interlaken or Le Mans Better for Families?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Interlaken or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Interlaken is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.


Is Interlaken or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Interlaken and Le Mans are both good destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

It's common for backpackers to visit Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Interlaken or Le Mans Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Interlaken
Le Mans

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

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Interlaken or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Interlaken
Le Mans

Interlaken and Le Mans are good when it comes to walkability.

Interlaken is somewhat walkable. The old town is relatively walkable.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.


For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Le Mans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Le Mans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Le Mans. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Le Mans.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Interlaken than Le Mans 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 Interlaken.


  • How many days in Interlaken or Le Mans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Interlaken 2-5 
    Le Mans 1-3

One day in Interlaken or Le Mans?

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the small town of Le Mans, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Le Mans, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Le Mans?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

With nightlife and museums around the destination of Le Mans, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Interlaken or Le Mans?

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

Le Mans, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Interlaken or Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Le Mans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans or Interlaken?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, while the average daily cost in Le Mans is $89. 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 Interlaken and Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Le Mans $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Le Mans $80
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken 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 Interlaken


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Le Mans $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans and Interlaken 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
    Interlaken $64
    Le Mans $29
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

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

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Interlaken $104
    Le Mans $16

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

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

  • Hidden gems e-bike tour with picnic at Lake Brienz : $212
  • Iseltwald, Aare Gorge and Lake Brienz Experience in Switzerland: $290
  • 007 Elegance: Private Tour to Schilthorn from Interlaken: $480
  • A Day at Lake Brienz and Lauterbrunnen Tour from Zurich: $1,260
  • Alpine Heights Jungfraujoch Small Group Tour from Interlaken: $529
  • Alpine Majesty: Bern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $835
  • Bern: Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee Hiking Private Tour: $709
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Canyoning Experience Grimsel from Interlaken : $200
  • From Grimsel Gorge Canyoning Tour: $196
  • From Gruyères, Cheese Factory & Cailler Tour: $290

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Le Mans $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Le Mans, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Le Mans.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Interlaken Expensive? and Is Le Mans Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Le Mans?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Le Mans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Le Mans. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Le Mans in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Le Mans this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Le Mans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Le Mans. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Le Mans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Le Mans averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Le Mans. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Le Mans in the Winter?

Both Le Mans and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Le Mans can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Le Mans. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Le Mans in the Spring?

Both Le Mans and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm during these months.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Le Mans in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Le Mans. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Interlaken

Interlaken Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)