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

Should you visit Lyon or Giverny?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Giverny, 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come to Lyon because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lyon travel costs.

Giverny

Giverny is a peaceful, serene, and inspiring town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty in Giverny as well. And you can't forget about the food and museums. See Giverny travel costs.

Lyon and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lyon than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lyon is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Giverny is more popular for its small town charm. Giverny is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Lyon different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lyon are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Lyon or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Lyon for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Giverny specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's generally considered a daytime destination so you won't find much nightlife here.

Is Lyon or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Giverny?

Lyon is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lyon is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lyon or Giverny More Beautiful?

Lyon and Giverny are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Lyon as well. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

Giverny is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The gardens served as inspiration for Claude Monet's famous water lily series, and the beauty is best appreciated moving at your own pace.

Is Lyon or Giverny Better for Families?

Lyon is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lyon is very family-friendly. 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Lyon or Giverny Better for Couples?

Lyon and Giverny are both very good to visit as a couple.

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

Giverny makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Is Lyon or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Is Lyon or Giverny Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Lyon or Giverny a more walkable city?

Lyon is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Lyon is a very walkable city. 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.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lyon or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lyon than Giverny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Giverny.

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

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Lyon or Giverny?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Lyon or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. 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.

The picturesque town of Giverny offers food and museums. 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 Giverny, 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 Giverny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Giverny?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 840 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Giverny. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Giverny. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Giverny. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Giverny because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lyon is around the same temperature as Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).

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

In October, Lyon usually receives more rain than Giverny. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Giverny in the Winter?

Both Giverny and Lyon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

It's quite cold in Giverny in the winter. The weather in Lyon can be very cold. In January, Lyon is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Giverny. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Giverny. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than Giverny. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Giverny and Lyon