A Travel Price Comparison for France Lille vs. Dijon for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Lille or Dijon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Dijon, 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 historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a cultural, laid-back, and culinary city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Dijon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dijon than Lille. While Lille is larger than Dijon, Dijon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dijon is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dijon is more touristy than Lille and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also well known for The Ducal Palace. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dijon 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 Dijon can be an interesting and educational experience. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Dijon 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 Dijon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Is Lille or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Lille is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Lille or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Lille is notable for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Dijon?

Lille is terrific for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lille is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Lille or Dijon Better for Families?

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

Dijon is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

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 Dijon Better for Couples?

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

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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 Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Dijon are nice 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.

Dijon is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Lille or Dijon Better for Students?

Lille is notable for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Lille is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Lille can move around easily with public transportation. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Lille or Dijon a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Lille?

How long in Lille or Dijon?

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

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

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

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this friendly 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 Dijon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon. 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 Dijon?

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.

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

A week in Lille or Dijon?

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Dijon?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

Both Dijon and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dijon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lille is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 17°C (63°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Dijon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Lille or Dijon in the Autumn?

Both Dijon and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Dijon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lille is around the same temperature as Dijon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

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

Should I visit Lille or Dijon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Dijon. 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 Dijon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dijon in the winter. The weather in Lille can be very cold. In the winter, Lille is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lille in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dijon averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

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

Should I visit Lille or Dijon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Dijon. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Lille is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 8°C (47°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Dijon and Lille