A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Le Mans vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Le Mans and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Le Mans, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Le Mans is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. 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.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Le Mans different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Le Mans is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Le Mans. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Le Mans is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Le Mans. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Le Mans or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Le Mans is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Le Mans is not a resort destination.

Is Le Mans or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Le Mans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Le Mans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Le Mans or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for its beaches. However, Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Is Le Mans or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is Le Mans or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is adequate for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Le Mans or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Le Mans or Cinque Terre.

Le Mans offers lots of family activities. 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.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Le Mans or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Le Mans and Cinque Terre are notable places to visit.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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

Le Mans and Cinque Terre 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).

Cinque Terre has a few public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Le Mans or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

In either Le Mans or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Le Mans because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Le Mans, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

In Le Mans, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this small town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

Le Mans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Le Mans. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

Le Mans is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Cinque Terre?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Le Mans and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Le Mans or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Cinque Terre. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Le Mans is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 19°C (66°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Le Mans, it's very sunny this time of the year. Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Le Mans usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Le Mans or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Le Mans is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Le Mans gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Le Mans usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Le Mans gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Le Mans in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Le Mans can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Le Mans is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Le Mans in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Le Mans or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Le Mans during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Le Mans is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 10°C (50°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Le Mans