A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lausanne vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Lausanne and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lausanne than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than Lausanne, Lausanne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lausanne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Aix-en-Provence is more touristy than Lausanne and is known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square. Lausanne is famous for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. It is also well known for The Olympic Museum.

How is Lausanne 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 Lausanne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Lausanne 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 Lausanne can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.

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 Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lausanne. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.

Is Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

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

Lausanne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.

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 Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Lausanne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Lausanne offers a nice historic old town area. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Aix-en-Provence is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lausanne. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.

Is Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Lausanne 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 Lausanne. There are kid-friendly museums, petting zoos, and other fun activities in town. You can also take a boat ride or let the kids run around one of the parks in town.

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 Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for couples. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Lausanne is a nice destination for couples. The medieval old city is fun to explore. The lakefront setting also offers fun activities like boating. There are also a number of museums in town to explore.

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

Aix-en-Provence is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Lausanne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular town for backpackers but there are some affordable hotels. It's also more reasonably priced than many Swiss cities.

Is Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Lausanne and Aix-en-Provence are superb places to visit for students.

Lausanne is a great city to visit as a student. There are 11 institutes for higher learning in town, so students make up a significant percentage of the population. The city is also full of culture, making it a very livable city.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lausanne and Aix-en-Provence.

You'll find some public transit in Lausanne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Lausanne is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lausanne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

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

One day in Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence?

The diverse destination of Lausanne offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Lausanne offers food and shopping. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aix-en-Provence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence?

Lausanne is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lausanne. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Lausanne. When comparing the sizes of Lausanne 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.