A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leuven vs. Aix-en-Provence for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leuven or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Aix-en-Provence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Leuven or Aix-en-Provence?

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a city in the south of France about 20 miles north of Marseille. It was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. A walking trail links sites including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cezanne. The white limestone mountain Sainte-Victoire overlooking the city as well as the surrounding countryside were frequent subjects of his works. The city is all class with its flourishing boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois relax on terraces sipping espresso. While Aix-en-Provence is a student hub, its upscale appeal make it more unique and charming to visit than some university towns.

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


Which place is cheaper, Aix-en-Provence or Leuven?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Aix-en-Provence is €138. 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 Leuven and Aix-en-Provence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Aix-en-Provence 81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Aix-en-Provence 162
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Aix-en-Provence

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Aix-en-Provence? 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 Leuven


Hotels in Aix-en-Provence


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: Leuven Hotel Prices and Aix-en-Provence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Aix-en-Provence 33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $87
  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $146
  • Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
  • Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
  • Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $86
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> SPA (1 to 8 PLACES): $156
  • Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Aix TGV transfer to Marseille Port or Airport or Aix city: $93
  • Aix en Provence Transfer to Marseille Cruise port: $118
  • Aix en Provence: Guided Driving Tour with Hotel Transfer: $1,390
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/To Cassis Van 7 pax: $269
  • Marseille Cruise Port Transfer to Aix en Provence: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Aix-en-Provence?

Prices for flights to both Aix-en-Provence and Leuven 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
    Leuven 49
    Aix-en-Provence 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

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

  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
  • Mechelen Food Tour: $82
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82

Typical Food Prices in Aix-en-Provence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:


  • Dinner for 2
    47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.

  • NO DIET CLUB - Best food tour in Aix en Provence (En / Fr): $62
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Aix-en-Provence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Aix-en-Provence 22

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
  • Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395

Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Provencal Market Walking Tour with Tastings: $37
  • Provençal Farmers market tour: $38
  • Guided Tour in Historical Old City: $60
  • Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings: $70
  • E-Bike tour of Sainte Victoire Mountain, Aix-en-Provence: $70
  • E-Bike Tour of Mount Sainte-Victoire: $73
  • Gourmet & Cultural Tour Aix En Provence English / Espanol: $73
  • An Aix-traordinary Walking City Tour of Aix-en-Provence: $75
  • 2-Hour Foodie Tour with 10 Tastings in Aix-en-Provence: $76
  • Time flies by on this Aixquisite Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence : $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Aix-en-Provence 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence: $93
  • Half Day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix: $96
  • Half day Wine Tour in Côteaux Aix from Aix en Provence: $98
  • Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence: $104
  • From Wine Tour in Cezanne Countryside: $106
  • Provence small group half-day wine tour from Aix: $107
  • Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: $108
  • Aix en Provence: Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Full Day Wine Tour in Luberon with Tasting: $143
  • Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence: $151
  • Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix: $164
  • From Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting: $166


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


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

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven 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.


When is the best time to visit Leuven or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Leuven or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leuven is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Leuven is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Aix-en-Provence. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leuven can be very cold during winter. Leuven is much colder than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Aix-en-Provence. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In the spring, Leuven is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Leuven

Leuven Aix-en-Provence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)