A Travel Price Comparison for France Lille vs. Bordeaux for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Lille or Bordeaux?

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

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

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around 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 Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux. Although Lille and Bordeaux are about the same size, Bordeaux has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bordeaux is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Lille is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Bordeaux is more touristy than Lille and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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 Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Bordeaux offer fantastic 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 Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Is Lille or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Lille or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lille. 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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Bordeaux?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Lille or Bordeaux Better for Families?

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

Bordeaux is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Bordeaux are notable 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.

Bordeaux is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Lille or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Lille and Bordeaux are both very good 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 Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Both Lille and Bordeaux offer very good public transit options.

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

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Lille or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Lille?

How long in Lille or Bordeaux?

In either Lille or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Lille because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

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

The beautiful city of Lille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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 Bordeaux?

Lille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Lille 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.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lille or Bordeaux?

Lille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Bordeaux. 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 comparing the travel costs between Lille and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lille is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lille as well as Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lille is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In January, Lille is generally much colder than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Lille during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lille is cooler than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Lille