A Travel Price Comparison for France Rouen vs. Arles for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Rouen or Arles?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Arles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing city. With stunning beauty, Rouen attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rouen travel costs.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. The beauty of Arles is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Arles travel costs.

Rouen and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Arles?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arles than Rouen. While Rouen is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Rouen different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles and Rouen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rouen or Arles?

Arles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rouen. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

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

Foodies will find both Rouen and Arles both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Rouen. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Rouen or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Rouen and Arles.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Rouen or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Arles is revered around the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Rouen has an old town worth visiting. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Arles?

Both Rouen and Arles are good shopping destinations.

Rouen offers some nice shopping areas. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Arles has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Rouen or Arles More Beautiful?

Rouen and Arles are somewhat similar when it comes to the great scenery.

The beauty of Rouen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's a strikingly beautiful city with Gothic cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses.

With stunning beauty, Arles attracts visitors from all around. This small city is famous for inspiring works by Vincent Van Gogh.

Is Rouen or Arles Better for Families?

Rouen is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Rouen. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.

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 Rouen or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Arles make for a great place to visit.

Rouen is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

Arles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Rouen. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

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 Rouen or Arles a more walkable city?

Rouen and Arles both are great when exploring on foot.

Rouen is a very walkable city. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rouen or Arles to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arles than Rouen 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 Arles.

One day in Rouen or Arles?

In Rouen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact 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 Rouen or Arles?

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

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

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 Rouen or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Rouen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, and The Best Luxury Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Arles?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Rouen 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 Rouen 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 Rouen or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Arles. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rouen is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rouen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives more rain than Arles. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rouen is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 12°C (53°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Arles. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. Rouen is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rouen usually receives less rain than Arles. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Rouen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rouen is cooler than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rouen in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Arles. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Rouen