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

Should you visit Lyon or Honfleur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Honfleur, 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 quaint, authentic, and historic 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.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a historic, peaceful, and serene city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Lyon and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Honfleur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Lyon and Honfleur are popular destinations, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Honfleur 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. Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Lyon different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and Honfleur can be difficult as they are each terrific in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Honfleur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Is Lyon or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Lyon has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Lyon or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Honfleur is a moderate city for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Lyon offers plenty to see. 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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Honfleur?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Lyon or Honfleur Better for Families?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Honfleur 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 Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Lyon or Honfleur Better for Couples?

Lyon and Honfleur are both excellent 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.

Honfleur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Is Lyon or Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options 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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Lyon or Honfleur Better for Students?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

Visitors in Lyon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Lyon or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Lyon and Honfleur both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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.

Honfleur is a very walkable destination. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Honfleur?

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

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

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Lyon or Honfleur?

Lyon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honfleur is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Honfleur?

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and museums around the peaceful destination of Honfleur. 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 Honfleur?

Lyon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Honfleur?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Honfleur, 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.