A Travel Price Comparison for France La Rochelle vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence? 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a relaxing, historic, and vibrant town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

La Rochelle and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is La Rochelle different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and La Rochelle. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

La Rochelle is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both La Rochelle and Aix-en-Provence offer fantastic local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Aix-en-Provence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

La Rochelle has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle has a beach worth visiting. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Aix-en-Provence draws large crowds to its stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Rochelle. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

La Rochelle has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Aix-en-Provence is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both La Rochelle and Aix-en-Provence are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Aix-en-Provence is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Rochelle and Aix-en-Provence both offer good public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Aix-en-Provence has a few public transit options. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Aix-en-Provence are very good when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence. In our opinion, La Rochelle has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in La Rochelle than Aix-en-Provence. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in La Rochelle than Aix-en-Provence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Rochelle that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Aix-en-Provence 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 La Rochelle.

One day in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Aix-en-Provence. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The laid-back town of Aix-en-Provence offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Aix-en-Provence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Rochelle Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle and Aix-en-Provence, 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 La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence?

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 La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Rochelle is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In the summer, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in July than Aix-en-Provence. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, La Rochelle is generally around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during autumn. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

Both Aix-en-Provence and La Rochelle during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in January than Aix-en-Provence. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Aix-en-Provence. The spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In the spring, La Rochelle is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during spring. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Rochelle usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aix-en-Provence. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and La Rochelle