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

Should you visit Reims or La Rochelle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims or La Rochelle, 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 beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Reims and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reims or La Rochelle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Reims. While Reims is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Reims is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than La Rochelle and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is Reims different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Rochelle is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Reims and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Is Reims or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

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

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 La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Reims or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Reims is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle has a beach worth visiting. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Reims is not a beach destination.

Is Reims or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is Reims or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Reims is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Reims is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or La Rochelle?

Reims is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Reims or La Rochelle Better for Families?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

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 La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Reims and La Rochelle are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

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.

La Rochelle is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Is Reims or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for backpackers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Reims or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is popular with students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Reims is not popular with students.

Is Reims or La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Reims or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Reims and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Reims?

How long in Reims or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Reims or La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle.

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

Couples should spend more time in La Rochelle than Reims. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Rochelle that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Reims or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Reims. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Reims. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing city of Reims. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 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 La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Reims or La Rochelle?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Reims and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 Reims or La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Reims during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Reims is generally around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 19°C (65°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Reims. In the summer, Reims often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and La Rochelle. Most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Reims is cooler than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Reims usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Reims or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Reims as well as La Rochelle. The winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

The weather in Reims can be very cold. In the winter, Reims is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reims in January average around 3°C (37°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Reims often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Reims is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 9°C (49°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Reims usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Reims