A Travel Price Comparison for France Paris vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paris or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Paris or Avignon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Avignon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Avignon. Paris is bigger than Avignon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Avignon and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Avignon?

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Paris or Avignon.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Theater?

Paris is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Avignon is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Avignon is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Paris or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Avignon.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Paris is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Music?

Paris is renowned for its music scene. However, Avignon is not a live music destination.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Avignon is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Avignon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Avignon?

Paris is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Christmas?

Paris is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Avignon does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Avignon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Families?

Paris is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Couples?

Paris is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Students?

Paris is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Avignon is not popular with students.

Is Paris or Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Paris or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Paris?

How long in Paris or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paris or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paris than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Avignon 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Avignon?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Avignon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Avignon?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Avignon?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon is a fun place to experience. Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Avignon?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Avignon, 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 Paris or Avignon?

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 Paris or Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Avignon. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Avignon. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Avignon. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

Paris is cooler than Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. Paris usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In the winter, Paris is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Avignon. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Paris