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

Should you visit Le Mans or Volterra?

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

Le Mans

Le Mans is a small, historic, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for nightlife and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Le Mans and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Le Mans or Volterra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Volterra. Although Le Mans and Volterra are both popular with visitors, Volterra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Volterra is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is known for its nightlife. Volterra is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. It is also home to The Roman Theater. Le Mans is popular 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 Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volterra 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 Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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 Volterra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volterra 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.

Volterra has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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 Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Le Mans is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Le Mans has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Le Mans or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra 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 Volterra is revered around the world. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Le Mans or Volterra?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Le Mans or Volterra Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Le Mans or Volterra.

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.

Volterra is a family-friendly place to visit. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Le Mans or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra 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, Volterra has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

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 Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Le Mans and Volterra are good 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 Volterra. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

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

Le Mans is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Le Mans, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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).

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Le Mans or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra 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.

Volterra is a very easy town to get around on foot. Most people explore the town on foot.

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 Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Volterra?

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

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

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

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

One day in Le Mans or Volterra?

The town of Le Mans offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Volterra 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 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 Volterra?

Le Mans 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 Le Mans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Volterra 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 Volterra has to offer.

Five days in Le Mans or Volterra?

Le Mans 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.

Volterra 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 Volterra?

Le Mans 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Since Volterra 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Volterra?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Le Mans and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Volterra. Most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Le Mans is cooler than Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. 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 Volterra. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In the autumn, Le Mans is cooler than Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Le Mans in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Le Mans gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Volterra. Le Mans gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Le Mans or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Le Mans during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Le Mans in the winter. In January, Le Mans is generally much colder than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 5°C (40°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Volterra. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Volterra. Many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Le Mans is cooler than Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during spring. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Volterra. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Le Mans