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

Should you visit Reims or Bordeaux?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims or Bordeaux, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reims or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Reims, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bordeaux is more touristy than Reims and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Reims is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Reims different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Reims or Bordeaux.

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.

Bordeaux is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Both Reims and Bordeaux offer fantastic 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 Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Is Reims or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Reims or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Bordeaux?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bordeaux and Reims.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Reims or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Is Reims or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Reims is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Reims or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims and Bordeaux are good 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.

Bordeaux is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Reims or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Reims or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Reims and Bordeaux both are very good 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.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Reims?

How long in Reims or Bordeaux?

In either Reims or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Bordeaux has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bordeaux than Reims. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Reims or Bordeaux?

The beautiful city of Reims offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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.

A weekend in Reims or Bordeaux?

Reims is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reims, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Reims is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reims, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, 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.

A week in Reims or Bordeaux?

Reims is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic destination of Bordeaux. 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.

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 Bordeaux, we can see that Reims 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 Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Reims or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Reims and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Reims is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 19°C (65°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. Reims usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reims usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reims or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Reims during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reims is cooler than Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Reims often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Bordeaux. The winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

The weather in Reims can be very cold. In the winter, Reims is much colder than Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reims in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Reims usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reims or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Reims as well as Bordeaux. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Reims is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 9°C (49°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Reims often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Reims