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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Nice?

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 Nice. 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 undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Saint-Etienne and Nice: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Nice than Saint-Etienne. Nice is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its museums and hiking. Nice is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint-Etienne is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is an amazing seaside destination 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 Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

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

Nice is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Nice Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Nice?

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

Nice is well-known for its shopping. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Nice 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.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Saint-Etienne or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the 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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit 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.

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint-Etienne or Nice?

In either Saint-Etienne or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice 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 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Saint-Etienne or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the opulent destination of Nice. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

The industrial city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful seaside destination of Nice. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Nice, we can see that Nice 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Saint-Etienne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Nice. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Nice. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Nice. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Nice and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nice. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Saint-Etienne