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

Should you visit Lyon or Calais?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Calais, 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 cultural, quaint, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of Lyon is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lyon travel costs.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Calais travel costs.

Lyon and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Calais is known for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Calais and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Lyon different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lyon on the map. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Lyon or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Lyon is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Lyon or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Lyon can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Calais?

Lyon is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Lyon or Calais More Beautiful?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Calais is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Lyon is one of the main draws. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

Calais is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lyon or Calais Better for Families?

Lyon is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lyon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Lyon or Calais Better for Couples?

Lyon is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Lyon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Lyon or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Lyon or Calais Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Lyon. 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Lyon or Calais a more walkable city?

Lyon is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Lyon is a very walkable destination. 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lyon and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than in Calais. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais?

Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Calais. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Calais?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais 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 Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Calais. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Lyon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

The authentic city of Calais offers nightlife and food. 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 Calais, we can see that Calais 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 Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Calais?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Lyon or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Calais. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lyon is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives more rain than Calais. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Lyon 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 Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lyon is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. The weather in Lyon can be very cold. Lyon is cooler than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives more rain than Calais. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Lyon during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lyon is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Lyon