A Travel Price Comparison for France Lille vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Nightlife

Should you visit Lille or Arles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Arles, 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.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Arles?

Both Arles and Lille have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Arles is known for its museums and historical sights. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Lille different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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 Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Lille or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Lille or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is very popular for its old town. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Arles has a world-famous historical area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Arles?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Lille or Arles Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Lille or Arles 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.

Arles is not always a place people visit with their families. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Lille or Arles Better for Couples?

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

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this 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 Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Lille or Arles Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Lille is very popular with students. 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.

Arles is not popular with students.

Is Lille or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Lille or Arles a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles 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.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Lille Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Lille?

How long in Lille or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lille or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lille than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Arles 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 Arles?

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lille or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Arles?

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Arles?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Arles?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Arles. Most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Arles. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lille as well as Arles. The autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Arles. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Lille usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. Lille is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Arles. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Lille during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Arles. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Lille