A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Toulon for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Oxford or Toulon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Toulon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Oxford and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon than Oxford, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford is known for its museums, nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Oxford different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Toulon?

Oxford is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Is the Food Better in Oxford or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Oxford and Toulon offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Toulon. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Oxford offers plenty to do in the evening. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Toulon is a good place to visit the old town. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Toulon?

Toulon is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for Families?

Oxford and Toulon are both good destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Toulon. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for Couples?

Oxford is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Toulon is not popular with students.

Is Oxford or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Oxford and Toulon.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

You'll find some public transit in Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Oxford or Toulon a more walkable city?

Oxford and Toulon are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Toulon is a very walkable college town. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oxford or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oxford than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Oxford 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 Toulon.

One day in Oxford or Toulon?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulon. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Toulon?

Oxford is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Toulon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Toulon?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Toulon. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Toulon, 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 Oxford or Toulon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Oxford or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Toulon. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Oxford is cooler than Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In the autumn, Oxford is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Toulon. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In January, Oxford is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Toulon. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Oxford is much colder than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Toulon. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Oxford