A Travel Price Comparison for France Marseille vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, 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.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant, laid-back, and relaxing town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Marseille and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille than Aix-en-Provence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marseille is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Marseille is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port. Aix-en-Provence is famous for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Marseille different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Marseille and Aix-en-Provence both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Many restaurants in Aix-en-Provence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Marseille is a must-see party destination. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Marseille has a beach worth visiting. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Marseille has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Aix-en-Provence specifically to go shopping. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Aix-en-Provence does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille has Christmas markets worth visiting. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Aix-en-Provence does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Neither Marseille nor Aix-en-Provence are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Marseille and Aix-en-Provence are both superb to visit as a couple.

Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille and Aix-en-Provence are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Aix-en-Provence is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Both Marseille and Aix-en-Provence are superb destinations for students.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Marseille or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Marseille and Aix-en-Provence are superb when it comes to walkability.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Marseille or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marseille than Aix-en-Provence 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 Marseille.

One day in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

The energetic destination of Marseille offers food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Aix-en-Provence. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

The quaint city of Marseille offers shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and food around the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

Marseille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Aix-en-Provence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Marseille or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Aix-en-Provence. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marseille is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marseille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aix-en-Provence. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marseille or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Marseille is generally around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Marseille often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Aix-en-Provence. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty during these months.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aix-en-Provence. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Marseille