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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Paris?

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 Paris. 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 gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne and Paris: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Saint-Etienne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking. Paris is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Saint-Etienne different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. 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.

Is Saint-Etienne or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Saint-Etienne is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Saint-Etienne is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Paris Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for hiking. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Paris?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Saint-Etienne does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Saint-Etienne does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint-Etienne or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is an amazing city 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, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's 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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit 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 Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Paris a more walkable city?

Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored 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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint-Etienne or Paris?

Both Saint-Etienne and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Saint-Etienne or Paris?

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. 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 Paris?

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Paris?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Saint-Etienne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 22°C (71°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne usually receives more sunshine than Paris during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Paris and Saint-Etienne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Paris. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Paris can be very cold during winter. Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint-Etienne in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Paris. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 11°C (53°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in April than Paris. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Saint-Etienne