A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. La Rochelle for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Lucerne or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle. 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 scenic, active, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or La Rochelle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than La Rochelle. While La Rochelle is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle is known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Lucerne is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both La Rochelle and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. 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.

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Is the Food Better in Lucerne or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Lucerne or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a good destination for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle offers a nice beach destination. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Is Lucerne or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle offers some nice hiking trails. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or La Rochelle?

Lucerne is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Lucerne is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Lucerne or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and La Rochelle are good family-friendly destinations.

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Lucerne or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

La Rochelle is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Lucerne or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Rochelle is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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 La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne and La Rochelle both offer good 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Lucerne or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucerne or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Lucerne or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Lucerne. 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.

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Lucerne. 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.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Rochelle has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or La Rochelle?

The active city of Lucerne offers shopping and museums. 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.

La Rochelle 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.

A week in Lucerne or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucerne. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and La Rochelle, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 Lucerne or La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Lucerne is cooler than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as La Rochelle. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as La Rochelle. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Lucerne