A Travel Price Comparison for France Marseille vs. Bordeaux for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Marseille or Bordeaux?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Bordeaux, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Marseille or Bordeaux?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Bordeaux, Bordeaux has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bordeaux is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Marseille is known for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Bordeaux is more touristy than Marseille and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Marseille different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marseille
Bordeaux

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Marseille or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Foodies will find both Marseille and Bordeaux both to be fantastic 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 Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Marseille is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Marseille just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Beaches?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Marseille is a popular place for the beache. However, Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

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

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.


Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Marseille is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Marseille is revered around the world. 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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Bordeaux?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Marseille and Bordeaux.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Bordeaux does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Bordeaux does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Marseille and Bordeaux are both very good 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 Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Marseille and Bordeaux are both good destinations for backpackers.

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

Bordeaux is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.


Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Both Marseille and Bordeaux are very good 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 Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Bordeaux can get you to most places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Marseille or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Marseille
Bordeaux

Marseille and Bordeaux are very good 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.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.


For even more information, also check out Is Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Bordeaux?

In either Marseille or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Marseille because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marseille than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux 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.


  • How many days in Marseille or Bordeaux? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marseille 2-3 
    Bordeaux 2-5

One day in Marseille or Bordeaux?

The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

Marseille 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 Marseille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the elegant destination of Bordeaux. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Bordeaux?

Marseille is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the romantic city of Bordeaux. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Marseille or Bordeaux?

Marseille 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.

Bordeaux 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.


Which place is cheaper, Bordeaux or Marseille?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marseille is €148, while the average daily cost in Bordeaux is €118. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Marseille and Bordeaux in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marseille 71
    Bordeaux 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marseille 142
    Bordeaux 126
Compare Hotels in Marseille and Bordeaux

Looking for a hotel in Marseille or Bordeaux? 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 Marseille


Hotels in Bordeaux


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: Marseille Hotel Prices and Bordeaux Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marseille 28
    Bordeaux 15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Aéroport Marseille Marignane : transfert Marseille centre: $81
  • Airport Marseille Transfer to Marseille Old Port: $127
  • Aix en Provence-Transfer from or to Marseille Airport: $115
  • Arles-Transfer From or To Airport MARSEILLE: $198
  • Arrival Private Transfer Marseille Airport MRS to Marseille city or Port by Van: $102
  • Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille in Business Car: $110
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $619
  • Departure Private Transfer from Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port by Van: $101
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Marseille Hotel or Address): $217
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Arles city - Arrival Private Transfer: $118
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

  • Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $78
  • Private Transfer from Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport: $89
  • Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $88
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $167
  • Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $98
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Bordeaux from Bordeaux Airport: $165
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $104
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $149
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Car: $131
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Business Car: $99
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Luxury Car: $131
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or Bordeaux?

Prices for flights to both Bordeaux and Marseille 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
    Marseille 42
    Bordeaux 45
Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bakeries,Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $67
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $75
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $87
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $87
  • E-Bike and Food Tour: $92
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Marseille Food Tour - Bakeries, Chocolate and Patisseries: $99
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $103
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $105
  • Marseille Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $109

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

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

  • No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $64
  • Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $64
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $65
  • Bakeries, Chocolate and Patisseries Food Tour: $67
  • 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $71
  • Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $97
  • Bordeaux Food Tour - Wine, Cheese, Charcuterie & more!: $107
  • Bordeaux Ultimate Food Tour: $108
  • Pastry Cooking Class: $108
  • Food Tour in the Historic District: $108
  • Historical Center, Bordeaux Food Tour: $109
  • Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marseille 38
    Bordeaux 7.89

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.34
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.34
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $8.68
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.66
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Bordeaux by bicycle: a 3-hour tour immersive experience": $34
  • "Explore Saint-Émilion on e-Bikes: Small Group, Full-Day Tour": $199
  • 1-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $28
  • 2 hours - Bordeaux Private tour with a native guide: $88
  • 2-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $50
  • 2-Hour Bordeaux Segway Tour: $61
  • 4 Hours Gastronomic Tour in Bordeaux the Sandwiches of the World: $65
  • Blending workshop and tour of the chateau: $43
  • Blind Tasting: 5 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience: $54
  • Bordeaux - Private Historic Walking Tour: $466
  • Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.16
  • Bordeaux : Guided and aperitive cruise « Wine and Canelé »: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marseille 27
    Bordeaux 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $28
  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $36
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $97
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $98
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $146
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $146
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $148
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $151
  • From Provence Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $163
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $165
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $166
  • From Bandol and Cassis Wine Tasting Tour: $179

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

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

  • Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
  • Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $17
  • Wine Tasting Cruise: $23
  • Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
  • Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
  • Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
  • Wine Tour and Tasting: $30
  • Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
  • Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $35
  • Chateau du Taillan and Park including Wine Tasting Tour: $44
  • Wine Tasting Masterclass with a local: $48
  • Wine Country Vineyards Tour w/ Local Wine Tastings: $60


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

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


Which is Bigger, Marseille or Bordeaux?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Marseille and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marseille 24°C (75°F) 
    Bordeaux 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Marseille is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marseille 16°C (61°F) 
    Bordeaux 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Bordeaux. The winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In the winter, Marseille is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marseille 7°C (44°F) 
    Bordeaux 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Marseille or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marseille 13°C (56°F) 
    Bordeaux 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Marseille

Marseille Bordeaux
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)