A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inverness vs. Toulon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Inverness or Toulon?

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 Inverness and Toulon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a cultural, traditional, and local city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Inverness and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Inverness or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon. Although Inverness and Toulon are popular destinations, Toulon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulon is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Inverness attracts visitors for its museums, food, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Inverness different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inverness or Toulon?

Inverness
Toulon

Inverness is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.


Is the Food Better in Inverness or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Toulon

Inverness is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Inverness makes for a great culinary experience. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Inverness or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Toulon

Both Inverness and Toulon are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Inverness or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Inverness
Toulon

Toulon is a moderate port city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Inverness or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Toulon

Toulon is very good for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is Inverness or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Toulon

Toulon is a moderate port city for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Toulon?

Inverness
Toulon

Both Inverness and Toulon are very good shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.


Is Inverness or Toulon Better for Families?

Inverness
Toulon

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Toulon.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Toulon is a family-friendly city. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Inverness or Toulon Better for Couples?

Inverness
Toulon

Both Inverness and Toulon are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Toulon is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Inverness or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Toulon

Toulon is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.


Is Inverness or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Inverness
Toulon

Toulon is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Toulon a more walkable city?

Inverness
Toulon

Inverness and Toulon both are very good when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

Toulon is a very walkable destination. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

For even more information, also check out Is Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Inverness or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Inverness than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Inverness 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 Toulon.


  • How many days in Inverness or Toulon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Toulon 1-2

One day in Inverness or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Inverness. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Toulon. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Inverness or Toulon?

Inverness is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the real world destination of Toulon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the industrial port city of Toulon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inverness or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Inverness. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulon or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Toulon is £102. 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 Inverness and Toulon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Toulon £67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Toulon £134
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Toulon

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Toulon? 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 Inverness


Hotels in Toulon


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Toulon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Toulon £6.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Toulon:

  • Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille Provence Airport: $117
  • Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Toulon?

Prices for flights to both Toulon and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Toulon £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Toulon.

  • Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour: $102
  • Toulon Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Toulon £11

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Tours and Activities in Toulon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Toulon are as follows:

  • Little Train Ticket: $9.62
  • Provence Abbey of Thoronet Entrance Ticket: $9.81
  • Guided Tour in Port & Old City: $55
  • Private Heritage Walking Tour in Toulon: $178
  • Ile de Porquerolles: VIP tour et déjeuner Fondation Carmignac: $217
  • Toulon Private Tour: $278

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Toulon £12

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toulon:

  • Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French): $13
  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Ramatuelle + wine tasting: $97


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Toulon, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Toulon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulon 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Toulon.

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Toulon, 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 Inverness or Toulon?

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 Inverness or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In July, Inverness is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 14°C (58°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives more rain than Toulon. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Toulon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Inverness during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Inverness is much colder than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Toulon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Toulon. Many travelers come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Inverness. In the winter, Inverness is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Inverness in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Toulon. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Toulon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Toulon. Many visitors come to Inverness in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Inverness is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 7°C (44°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Toulon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Toulon and Inverness

Inverness Toulon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)