A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Lake Garda for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda. 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.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Saint-Etienne and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lake Garda than Saint-Etienne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lake Garda is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. Also, Lake Garda is famous for Sirmione. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

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

Lake Garda has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

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 Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

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 Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Lake Garda for it's beautiful beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda for the hiking trails. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

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 Lake Garda Better for Families?

Lake Garda is an amazing lake to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lake Garda is very family-friendly. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Lake Garda Better for Couples?

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

Lake Garda is a great lake if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

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 Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Lake Garda. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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 Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda can get you to some places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable lake. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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 Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.

One day in Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Saint-Etienne, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful destination of Lake Garda. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Lake Garda?

With nightlife and museums around the destination of Saint-Etienne, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Lake Garda?

Saint-Etienne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Lake Garda. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This lake 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 Lake Garda?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful lake of Lake Garda. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Etienne and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

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

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lake Garda. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lake Garda can be very cold during winter. Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lake Garda. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Saint-Etienne