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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Saint-Etienne. Bordeaux is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking. Bordeaux is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux.

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 Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux is an amazing city 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 Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bordeaux. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bordeaux. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux?

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

Bordeaux is well-known for its shopping. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux are notable family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. 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.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Bordeaux Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux?

In either Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Saint-Etienne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Etienne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

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

One day in Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux?

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 museums when visiting the historical destination of Bordeaux. 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-Etienne or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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-Etienne or Bordeaux?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Bordeaux. This city 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 Bordeaux?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Bordeaux. 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 comparing the travel costs between Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Bordeaux. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Bordeaux. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne