A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Le Mans vs. Girona for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Le Mans or Girona?

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 Girona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife and museums.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Le Mans and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Le Mans or Girona?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Girona than Le Mans. While Le Mans is larger than Girona, Girona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Girona is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Le Mans attracts visitors for its nightlife. Girona is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also well known for The Girona Cathedral. Le Mans is famous 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 Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Le Mans
Girona

Girona is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Le Mans
Girona

Girona 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 Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Le Mans
Girona

Le Mans is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Le Mans or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Le Mans
Girona

Girona 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 Girona is revered around the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Le Mans or Girona?

Le Mans
Girona

Girona is great for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Le Mans or Girona Better for Families?

Le Mans
Girona

Le Mans is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Le Mans or Girona Better for Couples?

Le Mans
Girona

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

Girona is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Le Mans
Girona

For backpackers, both Le Mans and Girona are nice 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Le Mans or Girona Better for Students?

Le Mans
Girona

Girona is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Le Mans
Girona

Le Mans and Girona both offer nice 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).

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.


Is Le Mans or Girona a more walkable city?

Le Mans
Girona

Girona 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.

Girona is a very easy city to get around on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Girona?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Girona 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 Girona.


  • How many days in Le Mans or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Le Mans 1-3 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Le Mans or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Le Mans. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 Girona?

Le Mans is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Girona, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Girona has to offer.


Five days in Le Mans or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Girona 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the small destination of Le Mans. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Le Mans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Le Mans is €83, while the average daily cost in Girona is €140. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Le Mans and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Le Mans 37
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Le Mans 74
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Le Mans and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Le Mans or Girona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Le Mans


Hotels in Girona


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Le Mans Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Le Mans 30
    Girona 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Le Mans or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Le Mans change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Le Mans 27
    Girona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Le Mans 15
    Girona 24

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Le Mans 12
    Girona 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


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


Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Girona?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Le Mans and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Le Mans during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Le Mans in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Le Mans is cooler than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Le Mans in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Le Mans. In the summer, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Girona. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Le Mans or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Girona. Most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Le Mans is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 13°C (55°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Le Mans gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Girona. Le Mans gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Le Mans or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Girona. The winter months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

The weather in Le Mans can be very cold. Le Mans is much colder than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Girona. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in January than Girona. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Le Mans or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Le Mans is cooler than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Le Mans in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Le Mans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during spring. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Girona. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Le Mans

Le Mans Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)


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