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

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Rouen?

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

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

Rouen

Rouen is a charming, compact, and impressive city. 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 Rouen: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint-Tropez than Rouen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint-Tropez is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Rouen is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. Also, Saint-Tropez is famous for The Old Port. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rouen 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 Rouen. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

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 Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Saint-Tropez just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Saint-Tropez or Rouen Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Rouen 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.

Rouen is not a resort destination.

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

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Rouen 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.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is notable for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

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.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

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

Rouen is a popular place for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Rouen to see the old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Rouen?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen 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.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Is Saint-Tropez or Rouen Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Rouen is a family-friendly resort town. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.

Is Saint-Tropez or Rouen Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Rouen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

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

Saint-Tropez is a popular place for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city 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.

Rouen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpackers may struggle to find a hostel with a social setting, but for those who make it here there are many beautiful things to see.

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

Rouen 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 Rouen can get you around easily. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

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 Rouen a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Rouen 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.

Rouen is a very walkable destination. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

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

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

How long in Saint-Tropez or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint-Tropez or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint-Tropez than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Tropez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

In Saint-Tropez, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this opulent destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Rouen, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical 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 Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Rouen 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 Rouen?

Saint-Tropez is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Rouen. 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 Rouen?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the opulent destination of Saint-Tropez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rouen 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Tropez and Rouen, we can see that Saint-Tropez is more expensive. And not only is Rouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rouen 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 Rouen.

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 Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Rouen?

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

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 Rouen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Rouen. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during summer. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Rouen. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Rouen. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Tropez in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°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 Rouen. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen 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 Rouen. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Rouen and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint-Tropez is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 9°C (48°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

In January, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Rouen. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Rouen and Saint-Tropez during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.

Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Rouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the spring, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Rouen and Saint-Tropez