A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. La Rochelle for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and La Rochelle. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a serene, remote, and stunning archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Rochelle. Although Outer Hebrides and La Rochelle are popular destinations, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. La Rochelle is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also well known for The Old Port. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around La Rochelle. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Is Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, La Rochelle offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is very popular for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in La Rochelle. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and La Rochelle are nice family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Rochelle. 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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

La Rochelle is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and La Rochelle are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. 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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

Families should spend more time in La Rochelle than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular archipelago of Outer Hebrides. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the serene destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the natural archipelago of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 Outer Hebrides and La Rochelle, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is La Rochelle Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and La Rochelle. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than La Rochelle. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. Outer Hebrides is much colder than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 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 Outer Hebrides