A Travel Price Comparison for France Lyon vs. Carcassonne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Lyon or Carcassonne?

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

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

Where Should I go: Lyon or Carcassonne?

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

Which city is cheaper, Carcassonne or Lyon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lyon is €100, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is €85. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lyon and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lyon €42
    Carcassonne €49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lyon €84
    Carcassonne €98
Compare Hotels in Lyon and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Lyon or Carcassonne? 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 Lyon


Hotels in Carcassonne


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: Lyon Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lyon €14
    Carcassonne €5.71
Typical Local Transportation prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    €5.20
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    €19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Superior Private Transfer From Lyon City to Geneva City: $156
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Lyon Hotel to Lyon-Saint Exupery: $128
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Lyon Hotel to Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupéry: $128
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Lyon Hotel: $128
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupery to Lyon Hotel: $128
  • Round Trip Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) Transfer to Lyon City Center: $115
  • Private transfer: Lyon–Bron Airport (LYN) to Meribel: $765
  • Private transfer: Lyon–Bron Airport (LYN) to Les Deux Alpes: $744
  • Private transfer: Lyon–Bron Airport (LYN) to Chamrousse: $532
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $75
  • Private Transfer: Lyon to Lyon–Bron Airport (LYN): $622
  • Private Departure Transfer: Lyon Hotel to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Lyon or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Lyon 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
    Lyon €33
    Carcassonne €31
Typical Food prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    €1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.

  • Lyon Old Town Walking Guided Food Tour: $68
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
  • Lyon Old Town Five Tasting Stops Walking Food Tour with Lunch: $108
  • Lyon Quais Saint Antoine Private Gastronomic Food Tour: $111
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Lyon: $137
  • Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Tour: $217
  • Food tour in Lyon: $258
  • Secret Food Tours Lyon w/ Private Tour Option: $296
  • Lyon Food Tour: $880
  • Lyon Food Tour: $880

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lyon €16
    Carcassonne €11
Typical Entertainment prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    €45

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $31
  • Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town - Full Day - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $134
  • Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town - Private Day Tour: $858
  • Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles - Afternoon - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $114
  • Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles - Morning - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $114
  • Beaujolais Wine Discovery - Morning - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $108
  • Beaujolais Wine Discovery - Private Tour - Half Day: $280
  • Beaujolais Wine Route Private Tour: $641
  • Beaujolais Wine Route Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $123
  • Beaujolais Wines & Castles - Private Tour - Half Day: $299
  • Beaujolais half day private tour: $280
  • Best Intro Tour of Lyon with a Local: $61

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Walking guided tour Carcassonne medieval town. Shared tour.: $60
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour Carcassonne Medieval: $101
  • Half day tour to Lastours. Shared tour from Carcassonne.: $116
  • Wine day tour. Shared tour from Carcassonne.: $153
  • Cité de Carcassonne Guided Walking tour. Private tour.: $168
  • Walking guided tour Carcassonne: $168
  • Day tour : Lastours Castles & Cité de Carcassonne. Shared tour from Carcassonne.: $184
  • Carcassonne Sightseeing Tour: $202
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of Carcassone with official tour guide: $236
  • Day tour to Narbonne, Gruissan, Lagrasse. Shared tour from Carcassonne.: $246
  • Tour to Lagrasse village & Fontfroide Abbey. Shared tour from Carcassonne.: $246
  • Day tour to Mirepoix, Montségur, Foix. Shared tour from Carcassonne.: $246

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lyon €19
    Carcassonne €10
Typical Alcohol prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    €6.80
  • Bottle of Wine
    €15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Northern Rhône Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Lyon: $111
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais: $112
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour - Afternoon - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $114
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour - Morning - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $114
  • Beaujolais Gourmet Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $123
  • Macon & Beaujolais Wine Tour - Full Day - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $147
  • Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour - Full Day - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $153
  • Northern Rhône Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Burgundy South of Region Small Group Day Tour with Local Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Beaujolais Region Vineyard Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Côte-Rôtie & Vienne Region Roman History with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $243
  • Rhône Valley Terroir Private Tour with Local Cheese & Wine Tasting from Lyon: $280

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Half day wine tour. Shared tour from Carcassonne.: $102
  • Day to the Cité de Carcassonne and wine tasting. Shared tour from Carcassonne: $184
  • Wine Tours and Vineyard Adventures In The Languedoc: $211
  • Shared tour to Lastours, wine tasting, Minerve, Canal du Midi. From Carcassonne: $246

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Lyon or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lyon is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and Carcassonne stays around 24°C (75°F).

In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lyon 22°C (71°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Carcassonne. 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.

Lyon is cooler than Carcassonne in the autumn. The temperature in Lyon is usually 14°C (56°F) in October, and Carcassonne stays around 17°C (62°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lyon 14°C (56°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Carcassonne in the Winter?

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

Lyon can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lyon is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January are around 4°C (39°F), and Carcassonne is about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Carcassonne. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lyon 4°C (39°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne 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.

In April, Lyon is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and Carcassonne stays around 14°C (56°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lyon 11°C (53°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Lyon

Lyon Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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Lyon vs. Carcassonne Travel Comparison

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