A Travel Price Comparison for France Saint-Tropez vs. Calais for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Calais?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Calais? 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Saint-Tropez and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Calais?

Both Calais and Saint-Tropez have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Saint-Tropez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its museums and big city activities. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Calais and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Saint-Tropez different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint-Tropez and Calais can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Saint-Tropez. 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.

Calais is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Saint-Tropez is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Saint-Tropez is a great choice. 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.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Saint-Tropez a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Saint-Tropez is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Calais?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Saint-Tropez is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Saint-Tropez is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Saint-Tropez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Tropez is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais 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 Calais.

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 Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Saint-Tropez or Calais a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint-Tropez and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez than in Calais. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Tropez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

Families should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Calais, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Calais?

Saint-Tropez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais 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 Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Calais. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the luxurious destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Calais 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 Calais, 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 Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Calais?

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

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In the summer, Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Tropez in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Calais. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Saint-Tropez during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Saint-Tropez is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 17°C (63°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the autumn, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Calais. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 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 Calais. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Calais. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Saint-Tropez is much warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Calais. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Saint-Tropez is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Tropez in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the spring, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Calais. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Saint-Tropez