A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Le Mans for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Orkney Islands and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Le Mans?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands than Le Mans, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orkney Islands is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. Also, Orkney Islands is famous for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Orkney Islands different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Le Mans and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. 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.

Le Mans is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Le Mans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orkney Islands. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Orkney Islands or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Le Mans 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 Le Mans has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Le Mans Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is great for its beaches. However, Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Le Mans Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

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.

Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Le Mans Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Le Mans.

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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Orkney Islands or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Orkney Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

It's common for backpackers to visit Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

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

Orkney Islands and Le Mans both offer notable 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Orkney Islands or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Le Mans is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Le Mans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Le Mans. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Le Mans.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Le Mans 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Le Mans?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Le Mans, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Le Mans?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Le Mans is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Le Mans?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the town of Le Mans. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Le Mans, we can see that Orkney Islands is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Le Mans.

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 Le Mans Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is much colder than Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 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 Le Mans. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Le Mans. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Le Mans can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands is cooler than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 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 Le Mans. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Le Mans. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is much colder than Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Le Mans. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Orkney Islands