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

Should you visit Paris or Calais?

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

Should I visit Paris or Calais? 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 beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Calais?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Calais. Paris is bigger than Calais, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Calais is more popular for its beaches. Paris is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paris on the map. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Calais is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Calais is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Paris is a world class party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Music?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Calais is not a live music destination.

In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Calais is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Calais?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Calais does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. 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.

Calais does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Families?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Couples?

Paris is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Paris or Calais Better for Students?

Paris is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Paris or Calais a more walkable city?

Paris is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Paris?

How long in Paris or Calais?

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

Families should spend more time in Paris than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered destination offers. This city 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 Calais?

Paris is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Calais is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Calais. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Calais?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Calais. 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 Calais, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Calais.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Calais?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Paris or Calais in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Calais. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In July, Paris is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In the summer, Paris often gets more sunshine than Calais. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Paris is around the same temperature as Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Calais. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. In the winter, Paris is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets more sunshine than Calais. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Calais in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Calais. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Paris is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives more rain than Calais. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Calais and Paris