A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Southampton vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Southampton or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Avignon? 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Southampton and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Southampton or Avignon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Avignon than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Avignon, Avignon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Avignon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Southampton is known for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also home to Palais des Papes. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Southampton or Avignon?

Southampton
Avignon

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Avignon are world-renowned. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.


Is the Food Better in Southampton or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Southampton
Avignon

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Southampton
Avignon

Southampton is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Southampton or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Southampton
Avignon

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Avignon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Avignon?

Southampton
Avignon

If you're looking to go shopping, Southampton and Avignon both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Many visitors go to Avignon to go shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Southampton or Avignon Better for Families?

Southampton
Avignon

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Avignon.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Avignon is a family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Southampton or Avignon Better for Couples?

Southampton
Avignon

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Avignon make for a superb place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Avignon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.


Is Southampton or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Southampton
Avignon

Avignon is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Southampton
Avignon

Avignon is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Avignon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Avignon a more walkable city?

Southampton
Avignon

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.


For even more information, also check out Is Southampton Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Southampton or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Southampton than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

Families should spend more time in Avignon than Southampton. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Avignon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Avignon than Southampton. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Avignon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon than Southampton 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 Avignon.


  • How many days in Southampton or Avignon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Southampton 1-3 
    Avignon 1-2

One day in Southampton or Avignon?

In Southampton, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Avignon?

In Southampton, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Southampton has to offer.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Avignon?

Southampton is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Because Avignon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Southampton or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon or Southampton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, while the average daily cost in Avignon is £599. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Southampton and Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Southampton £85
    Avignon £554
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Southampton £170
    Avignon £1,108
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Southampton or Avignon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Southampton


Hotels in Avignon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Southampton Hotel Prices and Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Southampton £8.70
    Avignon £18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfers between Southampton and London via famous attractions: $153
  • Transfer from Southampton Port to Southampton Airport (SOU): $35
  • Transfer from Southampton Cruise Terminal to Hotel/Airport: $119
  • Private Transfer to London Hotels and Airports: $437
  • Cruise Transfer to London via Stonehenge: $156
  • Southampton to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Transfer: $35
  • Southampton to London Stansted Airport (STN) - Departure Transfer: $198
  • Southampton to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Departure Transfer: $179
  • Southampton To London Private Transfer Service: $209
  • Southampton Port to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) - Departure Private Transfer : $124
  • Southampton Port to Heathrow Airport - Private Transfer: $270
  • Southampton Port to Gatwick Airport I Private Transfer: $300

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

Also for Avignon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Southampton or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon and Southampton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Southampton £37
    Avignon £29
Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    £4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Southampton £19
    Avignon £13

Tours and Activities in Southampton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Southampton.

  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • Heritage and Majesty: Private Full-Day Tour from Southampton: $1,997
  • Heritage of the Titanic: Southampton Private Walking Tour: $484
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
  • Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153

Tours and Activities in Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Aix en Provence and Avignon city of Popes Private Tour: $1,486
  • Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon: $98
  • Avignon : Half-Day Walking Tour with Private Guide: $160
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Avignon private guided tour: $273
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Emblematic Squares Tour: $267
  • Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Southampton £21
    Avignon £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47

Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Avignon, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Southampton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Southampton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Southampton 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Southampton.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Southampton Expensive? and Is Avignon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Southampton or Avignon?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Avignon, 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 Southampton or Avignon?

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 Southampton or Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Avignon. Most visitors come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Avignon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives more rain than Avignon. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Southampton 18°C (64°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Avignon. The autumn months attract visitors to Southampton because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In October, Southampton is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Southampton 12°C (53°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Southampton in the winter. Southampton is much colder than Avignon in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Avignon. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Southampton 4°C (40°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Southampton during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Southampton is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Avignon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Southampton 9°C (48°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Southampton

Southampton Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)