A Travel Price Comparison for France Saint-Tropez vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a ritzy, celebrity-filled, and extravagant resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Saint-Tropez and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint-Tropez. Although Saint-Tropez and Aix-en-Provence are both popular with visitors, Saint-Tropez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint-Tropez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its museums and food. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. It is also home to The Old Port. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Tropez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Aix-en-Provence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Saint-Tropez is a must-see party destination. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Saint-Tropez offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Saint-Tropez specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is well known for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint-Tropez. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Tropez.

The abundance of shops in Saint-Tropez make it a world-class shopping destination. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

Many people travel to Aix-en-Provence specifically to go shopping. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint-Tropez is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Saint-Tropez has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

Aix-en-Provence is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Tropez and Aix-en-Provence are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Aix-en-Provence is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is a great destination for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint-Tropez and Aix-en-Provence.

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Tropez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Saint-Tropez on foot is easy. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence. In our opinion, Saint-Tropez has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Aix-en-Provence. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Aix-en-Provence 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

The luxurious destination of Saint-Tropez offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Aix-en-Provence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid-back town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

The resort town of Saint-Tropez offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Aix-en-Provence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

Saint-Tropez is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Saint-Tropez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint-Tropez and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Saint-Tropez 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-Tropez Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez and Aix-en-Provence, 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-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence?

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-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Tropez in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during summer. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Tropez during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saint-Tropez is generally around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 17°C (63°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the autumn, Saint-Tropez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Saint-Tropez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during winter. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Aix-en-Provence. The spring months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In the spring, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Tropez in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the spring, Saint-Tropez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Tropez