A Travel Price Comparison for France Lille vs. Le Mans for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Lille or Le Mans?

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

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

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife and museums.

Lille and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Lille or Le Mans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille than Le Mans. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Lille is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Le Mans is famous for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

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

How is Lille different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lille
Le Mans

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

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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 Le Mans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille
Le Mans

Lille is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Lille or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Lille
Le Mans

Lille is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Lille for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Lille or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Lille
Le Mans

Lille is great for its historic old town. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Le Mans?

Lille
Le Mans

Lille is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lille or Le Mans Better for Families?

Lille
Le Mans

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

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

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 Le Mans Better for Couples?

Lille
Le Mans

Lille and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a good city for couples to visit. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.


Is Lille or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille
Le Mans

Both Lille and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a good city to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Lille or Le Mans Better for Students?

Lille
Le Mans

Lille is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Lille
Le Mans

Lille is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).


Is Lille or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Lille
Le Mans

Lille is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Lille is a very easy city to get around 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.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Lille?

How long in Lille or Le Mans?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lille 1-3 
    Le Mans 1-3

One day in Lille or Le Mans?

In Lille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Le Mans, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this small 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 Le Mans?

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer.

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

Lille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Lille or Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Le Mans. 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, Le Mans 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 Le Mans is €83. 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 Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lille 55
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lille 110
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Lille and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Lille or Le Mans? 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 Le Mans


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 Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lille 28
    Le Mans 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Lille or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans 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
    Le Mans 27
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
    Le Mans 15

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lille 17
    Le Mans 12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lille and Le Mans, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille than you might in Le Mans.

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


Which is Bigger, Lille or Le Mans?

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

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lille as well as Le Mans. Most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lille is generally around the same temperature as Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 17°C (63°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Le Mans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than Le Mans. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lille 17°C (63°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Lille or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

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

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lille 12°C (54°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Lille or Le Mans in the Winter?

Both Le Mans and Lille during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Le Mans. It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. In the winter, Lille is cooler than Le Mans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lille in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Le Mans averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in January than Le Mans. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lille 3°C (38°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Lille or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Le Mans. Many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Lille is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 8°C (47°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lille 8°C (47°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Lille

Lille Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)


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