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

Should you visit Lille or Honfleur?

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

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

Honfleur

Honfleur is a historic, peaceful, and serene city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Lille and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Honfleur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille. Although Lille and Honfleur are popular destinations, Lille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lille is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. 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). Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

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 Honfleur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Honfleur offer terrific 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 Honfleur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Is Lille or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Lille has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Lille or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Honfleur is a moderate city for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Honfleur?

Lille is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Lille or Honfleur Better for Families?

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

Honfleur is a family-friendly place to visit. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

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 Honfleur Better for Couples?

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

Honfleur is a very popular place to visit for couples. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

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 Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Lille or Honfleur Better for Students?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Lille is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Lille or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lille. 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.

Honfleur is a very walkable city. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Lille?

How long in Lille or Honfleur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lille and Honfleur. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lille than Honfleur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

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 Honfleur, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this serene destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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 Honfleur?

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 Honfleur. 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 Honfleur?

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.

Honfleur is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Honfleur. 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 Honfleur?

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 nightlife and food around the serene destination of Honfleur. 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 Honfleur, we can see that Honfleur 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 Honfleur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honfleur 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 Honfleur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Honfleur?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Honfleur, 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.