A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Aix-en-Provence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a cultural, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a relaxing, historic, and vibrant town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Lucerne and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Lucerne is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Aix-en-Provence is famous for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Lucerne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

Lucerne is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lucerne can be an interesting and educational experience. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Lucerne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lucerne to see the historical old town. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Aix-en-Provence specifically to go shopping. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Is Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Lucerne is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucerne. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Aix-en-Provence both great destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Many students visit Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

Is Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne and Aix-en-Provence both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Aix-en-Provence has a few public transit options. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

For even more information, also check out Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Lucerne 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 Aix-en-Provence.

One day in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

The cultural destination of Lucerne offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Aix-en-Provence, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Lucerne offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Aix-en-Provence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aix-en-Provence has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Aix-en-Provence. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lucerne is cooler than Aix-en-Provence in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Aix-en-Provence. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lucerne is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Aix-en-Provence. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Aix-en-Provence. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty.

Lucerne is cooler than Aix-en-Provence in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Lucerne