A Travel Price Comparison for France Saint-Tropez vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Nice?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Nice? 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Saint-Tropez and Nice: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nice than Saint-Tropez, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nice is better known for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint-Tropez is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and shopping. Nice is more touristy than Saint-Tropez and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. 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.

How is Saint-Tropez different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nice is an amazing seaside destination 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint-Tropez or Nice has a better nightlife 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.

Nice is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nice Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez and Nice offer a relatively similar set of terrific luxury resort options.

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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

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

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Saint-Tropez is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nice Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Saint-Tropez and Nice are excellent 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.

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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

Nice is a great destination for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Nice?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nice Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint-Tropez is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly resort town. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nice Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint-Tropez and Nice make for a terrific place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Nice has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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

Saint-Tropez and Nice 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.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez and Nice both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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.

Nice is a very easy resort town to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

How long in Saint-Tropez or Nice?

In either Saint-Tropez or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice 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 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

One day in Saint-Tropez or Nice?

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.

In Nice, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this opulent seaside destination offers. 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 Nice?

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.

Nice is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Nice?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the luxurious 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.

In Nice, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this chic destination offers. 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 Nice?

The celebrity-filled 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.

Nice 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 comparing the travel costs between Saint-Tropez and Nice, 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Nice. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In July, Saint-Tropez usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nice. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Tropez in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Saint-Tropez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint-Tropez usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nice. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Nice and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In January, Saint-Tropez is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 9°C (48°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Saint-Tropez usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nice. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Nice and Saint-Tropez during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

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

Typical Weather for Nice and Saint-Tropez