A Travel Price Comparison for France Rouen vs. Lille for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Rouen or Lille?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Lille? 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 impressive, relaxing, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Rouen and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lille than Rouen. Lille is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Rouen is more popular for its museums. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Also, Lille is famous for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Rouen different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille 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, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Rouen or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is notable for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lille. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

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 Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Rouen or Lille Better for Families?

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Rouen or Lille Better for Couples?

Rouen is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Lille is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Rouen or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

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 Lille Better for Students?

Lille is notable for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Both Rouen and Lille offer very good public transit options.

Rouen has some very good public transit options. 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.

The public transit in Lille can get you to most places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Rouen or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Lille on foot. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rouen and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lille than in Rouen. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

Families should spend more time in Rouen than Lille. 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.

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

One day in Rouen or Lille?

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 Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Lille?

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 Lille. 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 Lille?

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.

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. 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 Lille?

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 nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Rouen and Lille, we can see that Lille 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 Rouen Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Lille, 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 Lille?

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 Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Rouen is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rouen. Rouen usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives less rain than Lille. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Rouen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Rouen is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Rouen often gets more sunshine than Lille. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Lille. Most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. Rouen can be very cold during winter. In January, Rouen is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 4°C (39°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Rouen usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Rouen or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Lille. The spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Rouen is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Rouen often gets more sunshine than Lille. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Rouen