A Travel Price Comparison for France Rouen vs. Dijon for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Rouen or Dijon?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Dijon? 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 charming, compact, and impressive city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Dijon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dijon than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dijon is very popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Rouen attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Dijon is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also well known for The Ducal Palace. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dijon is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Rouen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Rouen or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Rouen and Dijon.

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 Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Rouen or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Rouen to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Dijon?

Both Rouen and Dijon are nice 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.

Dijon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Rouen or Dijon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Dijon.

Rouen is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Rouen or Dijon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Dijon make for a high quality 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.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Rouen or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dijon is a popular place for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Rouen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpackers may struggle to find a hostel with a social setting, but for those who make it here there are many beautiful things to see.

Is Rouen or Dijon Better for Students?

Dijon is a popular place for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Dijon is a good city to visit for students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Rouen can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Rouen or Dijon a more walkable city?

Rouen is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Rouen or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dijon 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 Dijon.

One day in Rouen or Dijon?

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

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 Dijon. 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 Rouen or Dijon?

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.

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

A week in Rouen or Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical 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 historical destination of Dijon. 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 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 Dijon, we can see that Dijon 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon 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 Dijon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Dijon?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

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

In July, Rouen is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 17°C (63°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Dijon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rouen. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives more rain than Dijon. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Dijon in the Autumn?

Both Dijon and Rouen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Rouen is around the same temperature as Dijon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Rouen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dijon. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in October than Dijon. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Dijon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Dijon. Many travelers come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. In the winter, Rouen is a little warmer than Dijon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rouen in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Dijon averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Rouen usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rouen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dijon. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Dijon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Dijon. Many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Rouen is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 9°C (48°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Rouen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dijon. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Dijon. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dijon and Rouen