A Travel Price Comparison for France Saint-Etienne vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Aix-en-Provence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a relaxing, historic, and vibrant town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Aix-en-Provence than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Aix-en-Provence, Aix-en-Provence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its nightlife and hiking. Aix-en-Provence is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square. It is also home to . Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Etienne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Saint-Etienne and Aix-en-Provence.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Saint-Etienne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Aix-en-Provence draws large crowds to its stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne and Aix-en-Provence both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Aix-en-Provence has a few public transit options. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable town. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aix-en-Provence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Saint-Etienne 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 Aix-en-Provence.

One day in Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

The authentic destination of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the historic destination of Aix-en-Provence. 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-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. This 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-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Aix-en-Provence, 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-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence?

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-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Saint-Etienne is much colder than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in January than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Aix-en-Provence. The natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Etienne