A Travel Price Comparison for France Lille vs. Carcassonne for Food, Attractions, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lille or Carcassonne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Carcassonne, 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 cultural, culinary, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Lille and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Lille or Carcassonne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille. Although Lille and Carcassonne are popular destinations, Lille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Carcassonne is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)
Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lille
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille
Carcassonne

Lille is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Lille or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Lille
Carcassonne

Lille is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lille or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Lille
Carcassonne

Lille is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.


Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Carcassonne?

Lille
Carcassonne

Lille is very popular for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lille. 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lille or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Lille
Carcassonne

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

Carcassonne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Lille
Carcassonne

Lille and Carcassonne are both nice to visit as a couple.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Carcassonne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Lille or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is notable for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Lille is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Lille or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Lille
Carcassonne

Lille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Lille
Carcassonne

Lille is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Lille is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.


Is Lille or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Lille
Carcassonne

Lille and Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Lille?

How long in Lille or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lille or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lille than Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Carcassonne 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.


  • How many days in Lille or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lille 1-3 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Lille or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, many people enjoy the food and museums that this fairytale destination offers. 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

The fascinating city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Lille or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Lille. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 museums and food around the fairytale destination of Carcassonne. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Lille?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lille is €115, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is €106. 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 Lille and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lille 55
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lille 110
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in Lille and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Lille or Carcassonne? 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 Lille


Hotels in Carcassonne


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: Lille Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lille 28
    Carcassonne 7.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

  • Toulouse Airport private transfer to Toulouse City center: $39
  • Private Round trip transfer to Lille Airport (LIL) : $155
  • Private One way transfer Lille Airport (LIL) : $77
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris Orly Airport: $652
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris CDG: $543
  • Private Transfer to or from Lille Airport: $54
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille city centre to Lille Airport (LIL): $57
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille Airport (LIL) to City centre: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Lille or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Lille 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
    Lille 42
    Carcassonne 39
Typical Food Prices in Lille

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lille are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lille 16
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in Lille

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lille are as follows:

  • In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Half Day Morning Tour: $88
  • 1 Hour Private Lille Tour by Convertible 2CV with a Local Products Tasting: $66
  • 30-Minutes Private Guided Tour of Lille by Convertible 2CV: $32
  • Adventure 1h with a 3-seater Buggy: $120
  • Christmas Joy in Tournai - Walking Tour: $250
  • Discover Tournai while escaping the zombies! Escape game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while playing! Escape game - The alchemist: $22
  • From IEPER Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield: $268
  • From Ypres 4hr Christmas Truce and Monster Mines of Messines PRIVATE Tour: $298
  • From Ypres, The Christmas Truce to Passchendaele Ypres Based WW1 private tour: $269
  • In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Grand Tour: $242
  • Lille - Private Historic Walking Tour: $431

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.52
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $50
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lille 17
    Carcassonne 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $478


When comparing the travel costs between Lille and Carcassonne, we can see that Lille 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 Carcassonne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lille or Carcassonne?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lille or Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Lille during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lille is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 17°C (63°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lille. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lille 17°C (63°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Lille or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lille is cooler than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lille 12°C (54°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lille or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lille as well as Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

Lille can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lille is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lille in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lille 3°C (38°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Lille or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In April, Lille is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 8°C (47°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lille 8°C (47°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Lille

Lille Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)