A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit La Rochelle or Varenna?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Varenna? 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 relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

La Rochelle and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Varenna is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is La Rochelle different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Rochelle is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around La Rochelle. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Both La Rochelle and Varenna offer amazing 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.

Varenna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Is La Rochelle or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is La Rochelle or Varenna Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is La Rochelle or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is great for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Varenna?

If you're looking to go shopping, La Rochelle and Varenna both offer plenty of notable 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 Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is La Rochelle or Varenna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Varenna.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. 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.

Varenna is a family-friendly place to visit. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is La Rochelle or Varenna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both La Rochelle and Varenna make for a amazing place to visit.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Varenna has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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

For backpackers, both La Rochelle and Varenna are notable 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.

Varenna is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is La Rochelle or Varenna Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle and Varenna both offer notable 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.

Varenna has a few public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is La Rochelle or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its ease of walking around.

Varenna is a very easy village to get around on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Rochelle or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Rochelle than Varenna 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 Varenna.

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

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal town offers something for everyone. 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 beautiful village of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Varenna?

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Rochelle has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Varenna. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This village 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 Varenna?

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The pristine village of Varenna offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Varenna. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the food. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Rochelle and Varenna, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Varenna?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 La Rochelle or Varenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Varenna. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

La Rochelle is cooler than Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Rochelle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Varenna. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Varenna. The autumn months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In the autumn, La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Varenna. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varenna. In January, La Rochelle is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Rochelle usually receives around the same amount of rain as Varenna. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and La Rochelle during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the spring for the natural beauty.

La Rochelle is cooler than Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and La Rochelle