A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Peniche vs. Le Mans for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Peniche or Le Mans?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Peniche and Le Mans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Peniche or Le Mans?

Peniche

Peniche is a beach destination with many attractions for travelers. First, the raging sea and the lay of the land make this a popular surfing destination. The best of many supreme beaches is Praia dos Supertubos, which has a tubular wave fit for big time international events. Peniche has also been a port since the Early Modern Age, when a fort was constructed to defend it. This monument has an absorbing history, first as a maritime defense and then a prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. The walled historic center makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar's regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Artisan lovers will enjoy Peniche's specialty, handmade lace, and it is even possible to see the lace-work in action. And on top of everything, Peniche also has the Berlingas Islands, a natural reserve off the coast, which are well worth a visit.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a city in France, on the Sarthe River. Le Mans is found about 80 kilometers north of Tours, and south of Alencon. To many of course, Le Mans is famous only for a 24 hour racing event once a year. If you are not interested in cars and car racing, it is best to avoid visiting Le Mans in the middle of June. However, Le Mans also has a fantastic old town and is well worth the visit. Known as the Cite Plantagenet, this is where in 1129 Geoffrey Plantagenet married Matilda, daughter of Henry I of England and gave birth to Henry II.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Peniche or Le Mans?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Peniche. When comparing the sizes of Peniche and Le Mans, 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 Peniche or Le Mans?

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 Peniche or Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Peniche are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

In July, Peniche is generally a little warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 23°C (73°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Peniche. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Peniche gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Peniche usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Peniche gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Peniche or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Peniche during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere.

Peniche is much warmer than Le Mans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Peniche. In the autumn, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Peniche gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets more rain in October than Le Mans. Peniche gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Peniche or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Peniche and Le Mans. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Le Mans can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Peniche is much warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Peniche in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Le Mans averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Peniche gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Peniche gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Peniche usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Peniche gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Peniche or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Peniche as well as Le Mans. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Peniche is generally much warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 16°C (60°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Peniche this time of the year. In the spring, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Peniche gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets more rain in April than Le Mans. Peniche gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Peniche