A Travel Price Comparison for France Lille vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Aix-en-Provence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Lille and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lille is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its museums. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Lille. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Aix-en-Provence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

Is the Food Better in Lille or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Aix-en-Provence offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

Many restaurants in Aix-en-Provence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Is Lille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Lille is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Lille or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Lille is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical old town. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

Both Lille and Aix-en-Provence are amazing shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

Many people travel to Aix-en-Provence specifically to go shopping. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Is Lille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Lille or Aix-en-Provence as a family destination.

Lille is not the most family-friendly destination. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Aix-en-Provence is not always a place people visit with their families. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Lille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Lille is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Lille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Aix-en-Provence are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Aix-en-Provence is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Lille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Lille and Aix-en-Provence are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Is Lille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lille is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Lille can get you to most places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Lille or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Lille on foot is easy. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Lille Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Lille?

How long in Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Lille or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Couples should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Lille. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aix-en-Provence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Aix-en-Provence 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 Lille.

One day in Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

The culinary destination of Lille offers food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Aix-en-Provence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Five days in Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

Lille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aix-en-Provence is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lille and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. And not only is Lille much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lille would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lille 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence than you might in Lille.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lille Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

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

Lille has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Lille 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 Lille 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 Lille or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Aix-en-Provence. The summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In the summer, Lille is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Lille as well as Aix-en-Provence. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Aix-en-Provence. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Aix-en-Provence and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. Lille is much colder than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Aix-en-Provence and Lille during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lille is much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Aix-en-Provence. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Lille