A Travel Price Comparison for France Reims vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims or Aix-en-Provence, 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.

Reims

Reims is a cultural, beautiful, and relaxing city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Reims and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Reims than Aix-en-Provence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Reims is very popular for its nightlife, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its shopping. Reims is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. It is also well known for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Aix-en-Provence is famous for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Reims different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Reims. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Reims or Aix-en-Provence.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.


Is the Food Better in Reims or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

Both Reims and Aix-en-Provence offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

Many restaurants in Aix-en-Provence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Is Reims or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

Reims is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Reims has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Aix-en-Provence is a world class destination for shoppers. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.


Is Reims or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

Most people don't think of either Reims or Aix-en-Provence as a family destination.

Reims doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Reims or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

Reims is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Aix-en-Provence is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Reims or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

Reims and Aix-en-Provence are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Aix-en-Provence is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.


Is Reims or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Reims is not popular with students.

Is Reims or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Reims and Aix-en-Provence.

You'll find some public transit in Reims, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Reims or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Reims
Aix-en-Provence

Reims and Aix-en-Provence both are superb when exploring on foot.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Reims Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Reims?

How long in Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Reims or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Reims due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Reims, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Reims 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 Aix-en-Provence.


  • How many days in Reims or Aix-en-Provence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Reims 2-5 
    Aix-en-Provence 2-4

One day in Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

The beautiful destination of Reims offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Aix-en-Provence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid-back destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Reims offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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 Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

Reims is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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


A week in Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Aix-en-Provence. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Aix-en-Provence or Reims?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Reims is €131, while the average daily cost in Aix-en-Provence is €138. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Reims and Aix-en-Provence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reims 66
    Aix-en-Provence 81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reims 132
    Aix-en-Provence 162
Compare Hotels in Reims and Aix-en-Provence

Looking for a hotel in Reims or Aix-en-Provence? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Reims


Hotels in Aix-en-Provence


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Reims Hotel Prices and Aix-en-Provence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reims 39
    Aix-en-Provence 33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Aix TGV transfer to Marseille Port or Airport or Aix city: $93
  • Aix en Provence Transfer to Marseille Cruise port: $118
  • Aix en Provence: Guided Driving Tour with Hotel Transfer: $1,390
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/To Cassis Van 7 pax: $269
  • Marseille Cruise Port Transfer to Aix en Provence: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

Prices for flights to both Aix-en-Provence and Reims change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Reims 40
    Aix-en-Provence 33

Typical Food Prices in Aix-en-Provence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:


  • Dinner for 2
    47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.

  • NO DIET CLUB - Best food tour in Aix en Provence (En / Fr): $62
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Aix-en-Provence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reims 19
    Aix-en-Provence 22

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reims Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims: $9.62
  • Reims UNESCO site: Basilica of Saint-Remi Guided Tour: $9.62
  • Reims Art Deco guided tour: $9.62
  • Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame Guided Tour: $9.83
  • Reims : city-center discovery tour and champagne tasting: $16
  • Discovery tour (2 tastings): $20
  • Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting: $20
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27

Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Provencal Market Walking Tour with Tastings: $37
  • Provençal Farmers market tour: $38
  • Guided Tour in Historical Old City: $60
  • Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings: $70
  • E-Bike tour of Sainte Victoire Mountain, Aix-en-Provence: $70
  • E-Bike Tour of Mount Sainte-Victoire: $73
  • Gourmet & Cultural Tour Aix En Provence English / Espanol: $73
  • An Aix-traordinary Walking City Tour of Aix-en-Provence: $75
  • 2-Hour Foodie Tour with 10 Tastings in Aix-en-Provence: $76
  • Time flies by on this Aixquisite Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence : $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reims 22
    Aix-en-Provence 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence: $93
  • Half Day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix: $96
  • Half day Wine Tour in Côteaux Aix from Aix en Provence: $98
  • Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence: $104
  • From Wine Tour in Cezanne Countryside: $106
  • Provence small group half-day wine tour from Aix: $107
  • Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: $108
  • Aix en Provence: Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Full Day Wine Tour in Luberon with Tasting: $143
  • Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence: $151
  • Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix: $164
  • From Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting: $166


When comparing the travel costs between Reims and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Reims Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Reims and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Reims or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Reims or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Reims because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

Reims is cooler than Aix-en-Provence in the summer. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. Reims usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reims usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reims 19°C (65°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Reims or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Reims during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Reims is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reims in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Reims often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reims 12°C (53°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Reims or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Aix-en-Provence. Many travelers come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reims. In January, Reims is generally much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 3°C (37°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reims usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aix-en-Provence. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reims 3°C (37°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Reims or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Reims as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Reims in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty during these months.

Reims is cooler than Aix-en-Provence in the spring. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 9°C (49°F) in April, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Reims often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Reims 9°C (49°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Reims

Reims Aix-en-Provence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)