A Travel Price Comparison for France Reims vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Reims or Arles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims or Arles, 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.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reims or Arles?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arles than Reims. While Reims is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Arles is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Reims attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Reims is more touristy than Arles and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also well known for L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Reims different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Arles on the map. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Is the Food Better in Reims or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Reims is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Reims has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Reims or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Reims and Arles.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Reims or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Arles has a world-famous historical area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Arles?

Reims is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Reims or Arles Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Reims or Arles 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, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Reims or Arles Better for Couples?

Reims is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Reims has plenty to offer. 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.

Arles is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Reims or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Reims is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Reims or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Reims and Arles.

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 Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Reims or Arles a more walkable city?

Reims and Arles both are excellent 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.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Reims Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Reims?

How long in Reims or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Reims or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Reims than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Reims, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

Couples should spend more time in Reims than Arles. 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 Reims than Arles 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 Reims.

One day in Reims or Arles?

In Reims, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Reims or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. 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 Reims or Arles?

Reims is a fun place to experience. In Reims, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Reims or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Reims. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 comparing the travel costs between Reims and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Reims or Arles?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Reims and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. Reims usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reims usually receives more rain than Arles. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reims or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Reims during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Reims often gets less sunshine than Arles. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reims usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Arles. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. In January, Reims is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 3°C (37°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reims usually receives less rain than Arles. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reims or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Reims as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Reims often gets less sunshine than Arles. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Reims