A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Tropez vs. Lake Garda for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda? 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 opulent, ritzy, and celebrity-filled resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. 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 nightlife.

Saint-Tropez and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda?

Both Lake Garda and Saint-Tropez have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Saint-Tropez is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Lake Garda is more popular for its museums, food, and hiking. Saint-Tropez is well known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. Lake Garda is well known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Saint-Tropez different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lake Garda offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lake Garda is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lake Garda. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

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 Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

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

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Saint-Tropez and Lake Garda are high quality choices.

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.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint-Tropez is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Saint-Tropez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Saint-Tropez draws large crowds to its stores. 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 visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda.

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.

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

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

Saint-Tropez and Lake Garda are notable 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake Garda is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Lake Garda can get you around easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

While Saint-Tropez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda. 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.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda?

With shopping and nightlife around the opulent resort town of Saint-Tropez, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Lake Garda, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic lake offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint-Tropez, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this resort town.

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Lake Garda?

Saint-Tropez, a popular resort town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Lake Garda. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Lake Garda?

Saint-Tropez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lake Garda is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint-Tropez and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda?

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-Tropez or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Lake Garda. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Tropez in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Saint-Tropez. In October, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Saint-Tropez during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint-Tropez is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 9°C (48°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in January than Lake Garda. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Saint-Tropez