A Travel Price Comparison for France Lille vs. Beaune for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Lille or Beaune?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Beaune, 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 culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Beaune

Beaune is a cultural, historic, and culinary town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Beaune?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaune than Lille, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaune is better known for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm, while Lille is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Beaune is more touristy than Lille and is known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Also, Beaune is famous for The Surrounding Vineyards. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beaune is notable for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Beaune can be an interesting and educational experience. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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 Beaune? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Beaune offer world-class 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 Beaune have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

Is Lille or Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. 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 Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Lille or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Beaune 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.

Beaune has a world-famous historical area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

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 Beaune?

Lille is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Lille or Beaune Better for Families?

Beaune is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Beaune is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

Is Lille or Beaune Better for Couples?

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

Beaune has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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 Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Lille or Beaune Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. However, Beaune is not popular with students.

Many students visit Lille. 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.

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Beaune 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 around easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Lille or Beaune a more walkable city?

Lille and Beaune both are world-class when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Lille on foot. 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.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Beaune. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Lille?

How long in Lille or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Lille or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beaune 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 Beaune.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Beaune, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Beaune?

Lille 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaune. 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 Beaune?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Beaune is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Beaune. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Beaune?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Lille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Beaune. 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 food. 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 Beaune, we can see that Beaune 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 Beaune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaune 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 Beaune Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Beaune?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

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 Beaune in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Beaune. Many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Beaune in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Lille is cooler than Beaune in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Beaune fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaune this time of the year. In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Beaune. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Beaune in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lille as well as Beaune. Many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Lille is around the same temperature as Beaune. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Beaune averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in October than Beaune. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Beaune in the Winter?

Both Beaune and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Beaune because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Beaune can be very cold. Lille can be very cold during winter. In January, Lille is generally around the same temperature as Beaune. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaune. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Beaune in the Spring?

Both Beaune and Lille during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

Lille is cooler than Beaune in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Beaune fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Beaune. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Beaune and Lille