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

Should you visit Nice or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Aix-en-Provence can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Nice and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nice is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its museums and shopping. Nice is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Nice 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 Nice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Aix-en-Provence is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Aix-en-Provence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Nice and Aix-en-Provence.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Eat your way through Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Nice or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Aix-en-Provence Better for Resorts?

Nice is terrific for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Aix-en-Provence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Nice is well known for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

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

Nice is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nice to see the historical old town. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

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

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

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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

Nice is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

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

Nice is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Aix-en-Provence is a great seaside destination if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Nice or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Aix-en-Provence are good destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

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

Aix-en-Provence is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

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

Nice is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Nice or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Nice or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nice due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice 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 Nice.

One day in Nice or Aix-en-Provence?

The glamourous destination of Nice offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Aix-en-Provence?

The quaint seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Aix-en-Provence 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 Nice or Aix-en-Provence?

Nice is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The historic town of Aix-en-Provence offers museums and food. 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 in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

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

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

Nice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice or Aix-en-Provence?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nice or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Nice usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Nice as well as Aix-en-Provence. The autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Aix-en-Provence and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nice is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Nice usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Aix-en-Provence and Nice during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Nice