A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. La Rochelle for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Beaches

Should you visit Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and La Rochelle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Rochelle. Although Orkney Islands and La Rochelle are both popular with visitors, La Rochelle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Orkney Islands is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. La Rochelle is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Rochelle and Orkney Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is great for the beache. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the beach.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

The old town of La Rochelle is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

La Rochelle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or La Rochelle.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is renowned for couples. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orkney Islands and La Rochelle both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Orkney Islands or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Orkney Islands or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

Couples should spend more time in La Rochelle than Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Rochelle that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Orkney Islands 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene archipelago of Orkney Islands. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the remote destination of Orkney Islands. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the tranquil archipelago of Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this archipelago.

La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or La Rochelle?

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 Orkney Islands or La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Orkney Islands is much colder than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than La Rochelle. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and La Rochelle. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Orkney Islands in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Orkney Islands