A Travel Price Comparison for France Le Mans vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Le Mans or Arles?

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 Le Mans and Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include nightlife and museums.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Le Mans or Arles?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Arles than Le Mans. While Le Mans is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is better known for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is more popular for its small town charm. Arles is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Also, Arles is famous for L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Le Mans different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Le Mans or Arles?

Arles is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Arles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

Is the Food Better in Le Mans or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arles is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Le Mans or Arles Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Le Mans and Arles.

If you're looking for night time activities Le Mans has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

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 Le Mans or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Le Mans or Arles?

Arles is very good for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Le Mans or Arles Better for Families?

Le Mans 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 Le Mans. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

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 Le Mans or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Arles is a great 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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Le Mans or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Le Mans is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Le Mans is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

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

Le Mans and Arles both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Le Mans offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

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 Le Mans or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Le Mans Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Arles?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arles than Le Mans 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 Arles.

One day in Le Mans or Arles?

In Le Mans, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this quaint destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Le Mans or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

Five days in Le Mans or Arles?

Le Mans is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Le Mans. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles 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.

A week in Le Mans or Arles?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the small destination of Le Mans. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Le Mans and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Le Mans.

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

Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Arles?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Le Mans 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Arles. The summer months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In July, Le Mans is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 19°C (66°F), and Arles fluctuates around 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 Le Mans this time of the year. In the summer, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Arles. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Le Mans is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Le Mans gets 117 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, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Arles. Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Le Mans during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Le Mans. In the winter, Le Mans is cooler than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Le Mans in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Arles. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Arles. Many visitors come to Le Mans in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Le Mans is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 10°C (50°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Arles. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Le Mans