A Travel Price Comparison for France Lyon vs. Caen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Lyon or Caen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Caen, 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.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Lyon and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Lyon different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Caen and Lyon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lyon or Caen?

Lyon is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Is the Food Better in Lyon or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Lyon or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Lyon or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Lyon is one of the most recognized in the world. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Caen?

Lyon is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lyon or Caen Better for Families?

Lyon is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Lyon or Caen Better for Couples?

Lyon is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Lyon or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Lyon is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Lyon or Caen Better for Students?

Lyon is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Caen is not popular with students.

Is Lyon or Caen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lyon is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lyon has a great public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit in Caen can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Is Lyon or Caen a more walkable city?

Lyon is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Lyon is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lyon and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than in Caen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Caen 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 Lyon.

One day in Lyon or Caen?

Lyon is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Lyon or Caen?

Lyon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Lyon or Caen?

Lyon is a quaint big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and museums around the important destination of Caen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Caen?

The quaint city of Lyon offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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 park-filled city of Caen offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Lyon and Caen, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Caen?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Caen, 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 Lyon or Caen?

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 Lyon or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lyon is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Caen. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Caen. Many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives more rain than Caen. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. Lyon can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lyon is cooler than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Caen. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In April, Lyon is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than Caen. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Lyon