A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Saint-Etienne for Hiking, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Both Saint-Etienne and Outer Hebrides have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Outer Hebrides is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Outer Hebrides is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Outer Hebrides has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an amazing archipelago to visit for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Outer Hebrides is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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 Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Saint-Etienne is somewhat walkable. There are several walkable areas in the city.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Saint-Etienne 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 Outer Hebrides.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Saint-Etienne 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 Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the serene destination of Outer Hebrides. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

A week in Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful archipelago of Outer Hebrides. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the city of Saint-Etienne. 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 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 Saint-Etienne, we can see that Outer Hebrides is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Saint-Etienne. The summer months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Saint-Etienne. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint-Etienne. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Outer Hebrides