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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Reims?

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 Reims. 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 industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. 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 Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Reims. Although Saint-Etienne and Reims are roughly the same size, Reims has more sights and attractions for tourists. Reims is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking. Reims is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. It is also home to The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint-Etienne
Reims

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

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 Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


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

Saint-Etienne
Reims

Reims 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 Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne
Reims

The vibe at night is good in both Saint-Etienne and Reims.

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 Reims. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Saint-Etienne or Reims Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne
Reims

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Reims is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Reims is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Reims?

Saint-Etienne
Reims

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

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne
Reims

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saint-Etienne. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Saint-Etienne or Reims Better for Couples?

Saint-Etienne
Reims

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

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Etienne
Reims

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Saint-Etienne
Reims

Saint-Etienne and Reims both offer good 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.

Reims has a few public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Saint-Etienne or Reims a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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 Reims Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint-Etienne or Reims?

In either Saint-Etienne or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims 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 Reims.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Saint-Etienne or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint-Etienne 1-2 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Saint-Etienne or Reims?

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this industrial 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

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 Reims. 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 Reims?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Reims. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Reims or Saint-Etienne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint-Etienne is €108, while the average daily cost in Reims is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint-Etienne and Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint-Etienne 46
    Reims 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint-Etienne 92
    Reims 132
Compare Hotels in Saint-Etienne and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Saint-Etienne or Reims? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saint-Etienne


Hotels in Reims


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint-Etienne 44
    Reims 39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint-Etienne or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims and Saint-Etienne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint-Etienne 34
    Reims 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint-Etienne 25
    Reims 19

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint-Etienne 10
    Reims 22


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


Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Reims. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint-Etienne is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets more sunshine than Reims. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Reims. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

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

Both Reims and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint-Etienne is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Reims. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

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

Both Reims and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Saint-Etienne is a little warmer than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets more sunshine than Reims. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Reims. The natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Reims. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)