A Travel Price Comparison for France Saint-Etienne vs. Biarritz for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz. 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 historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Saint-Etienne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Biarritz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Biarritz for the nightlife scene. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Biarritz?

Biarritz is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end 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 Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Saint-Etienne or Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or 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 Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne and Biarritz both offer notable 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.

Biarritz has a few public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Saint-Etienne or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Biarritz?

Both Saint-Etienne and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Saint-Etienne. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Etienne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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

One day in Saint-Etienne or Biarritz?

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quirky destination of Biarritz. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Biarritz?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Biarritz?

Saint-Etienne is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Biarritz. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Biarritz?

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the seaside town of Biarritz. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Biarritz?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Saint-Etienne or Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Biarritz. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Biarritz. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Biarritz in the Winter?

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

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Saint-Etienne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Saint-Etienne