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

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Lyon? 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 extravagant, luxurious, and glamourous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint-Tropez and Lyon: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lyon than Saint-Tropez, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint-Tropez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. 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. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Saint-Tropez different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lyon is an amazing city 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, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

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 Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Saint-Tropez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lyon Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Lyon 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.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

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

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lyon 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.

Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is a well-known place for the beache. However, Lyon 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.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Lyon?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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 visitors explore the shopping areas in Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lyon Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lyon. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lyon Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

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

Lyon is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lyon is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Saint-Tropez is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Lyon. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

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 Lyon a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Lyon is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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

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

How long in Saint-Tropez or Lyon?

In either Saint-Tropez or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Saint-Tropez because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Tropez, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Lyon. 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 Lyon. 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 Lyon than Saint-Tropez 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 Lyon.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Lyon?

Saint-Tropez is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Lyon is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Lyon?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glamourous destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Lyon?

The ritzy resort town of Saint-Tropez offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Lyon is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Tropez and Lyon, we can see that Saint-Tropez is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lyon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lyon 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 Saint-Tropez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint-Tropez than you might in Lyon.

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 Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez and Lyon, 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 Lyon?

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 Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Lyon. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during summer. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Lyon. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Lyon. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Tropez in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

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

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

Both Lyon and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lyon can be very cold. In January, Saint-Tropez is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 9°C (48°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Lyon. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Lyon and Saint-Tropez during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the spring, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lyon. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Saint-Tropez