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

Should you visit Southampton or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Toulon? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Southampton and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Toulon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulon than Southampton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Southampton different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Toulon.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Toulon. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Toulon can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Toulon area. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Southampton or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Southampton and Toulon.

If you're looking for night time activities Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Southampton or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Southampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Southampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Southampton or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for the beache. However, Southampton is not a beach destination.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is adequate for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Toulon?

Toulon is a great port city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

Toulon is well-known for its shopping. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Toulon.

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.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Southampton or Toulon Better for Couples?

Southampton is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Southampton is a very popular place to visit for couples. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Southampton or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

While Toulon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take 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 Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is a great port city 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.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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 Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Toulon?

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

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Southampton. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic port city of Toulon. 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.

A weekend in Southampton or Toulon?

Southampton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the real world destination of Toulon. 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.

Five days in Southampton or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The off-the-beaten-path port city of Toulon 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.

A week in Southampton or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Southampton. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulon. 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Toulon, 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 Toulon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Southampton or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Southampton during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Toulon. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Southampton is cooler than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Toulon. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Toulon. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Southampton is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Southampton is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Toulon. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Southampton