A Travel Price Comparison for France La Rochelle vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit La Rochelle or Arles?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Arles? 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 quaint, charming, and peaceful 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.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. La Rochelle is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Arles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is La Rochelle different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles 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 Arles?

Arles is very popular for its historical sights. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Arles are world-renowned. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Is the Food Better in La Rochelle or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both La Rochelle and Arles.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is very good for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both La Rochelle and Arles.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

The historic old town of Arles is revered around the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. 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.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Arles?

If you're looking to go shopping, La Rochelle and Arles both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Rochelle. 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.

Many visitors go to Arles to go shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for Families?

La Rochelle is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles 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, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. 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.

Arles is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Rochelle is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for Students?

La Rochelle is very good for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

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

Arles is not popular with students.

Is La Rochelle or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Rochelle and Arles 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.

Arles has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is La Rochelle or Arles a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Arles are great 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.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Rochelle or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Rochelle than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

Families should spend more time in La Rochelle than Arles. 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 Arles. 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 Arles 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 Arles?

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the compact town of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the compact destination of Arles. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Arles?

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The historic town of Arles offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Arles?

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Arles?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Arles. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. 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 Arles. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in July than Arles. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Arles. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and La Rochelle during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In the winter, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Arles. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in January than Arles. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Arles. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Arles. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and La Rochelle