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

Should you visit Southampton or Carcassonne?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Carcassonne? 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 up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Southampton and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Carcassonne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carcassonne. Although Southampton and Carcassonne are popular destinations, Carcassonne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Carcassonne is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Southampton attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Carcassonne is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. It is also well known for La Cité de Carcassonne. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

La Cité de Carcassonne

How is Southampton different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Carcassonne is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carcassonne is a great town 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.

Carcassonne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Southampton is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Southampton or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a popular place for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Carcassonne. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Carcassonne?

Southampton is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Southampton or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Carcassonne.

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.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Southampton or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Southampton is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Southampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Southampton or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

While Carcassonne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

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

Is Southampton or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Southampton or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Southampton than Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the waterfront port city of Southampton. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historical town of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic destination of Southampton. This port city 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the medieval destination of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

The up-and-coming port city of Southampton offers shopping and museums. 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.

The historical town of Carcassonne offers food and museums. 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Carcassonne?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

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

In July, Southampton is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Southampton or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

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

Southampton is cooler than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Southampton in the winter. In the winter, Southampton is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carcassonne. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Southampton or Carcassonne in the Spring?

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

In April, Southampton is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Southampton