A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. La Rochelle for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a historic, charming, and quaint university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Andrews and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is better known for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is Saint Andrews different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

Is the Food Better in Saint Andrews or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, La Rochelle is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Both Saint Andrews and La Rochelle are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Rochelle. 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 Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Andrews and La Rochelle have notable beaches worth visiting.

Saint Andrews has a beach worth visiting. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in La Rochelle. 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.

Is Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is terrific for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews and La Rochelle are both places where visitors can find notable hiking trails.

Saint Andrews has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around La Rochelle. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

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

Saint Andrews is well-known for its shopping. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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 Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and La Rochelle are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly university town. 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.

Is Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for couples.

La Rochelle has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saint Andrews makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Is Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit La Rochelle. 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

Many students frequent Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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

Is Saint Andrews or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Saint Andrews and La Rochelle offer notable public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

La Rochelle has some public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Saint Andrews or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

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

Families should spend more time in La Rochelle than Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

Saint Andrews is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful small town of La Rochelle. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

Saint Andrews might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This university town 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

Because Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the peaceful small town of La Rochelle. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

Since Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of La Rochelle. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and 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.

Saint Andrews is cooler than La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. In January, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and La Rochelle. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm.

Saint Andrews is much colder than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 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 Saint Andrews