A Travel Price Comparison for France Strasbourg vs. La Rochelle for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and La Rochelle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Strasbourg and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Strasbourg. While Strasbourg is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Strasbourg attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Strasbourg is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also well known for The Old Port.

How is Strasbourg different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Strasbourg or La Rochelle.

Many visitors head to Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Is the Food Better in Strasbourg or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Strasbourg and La Rochelle.

If you're looking for night time activities Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is very good for its beaches. However, Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg and La Rochelle are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The historic old town of Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

With a famous historical old-town, La Rochelle offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for hiking. However, Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

Strasbourg is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Strasbourg is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or La Rochelle.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Strasbourg and La Rochelle are nice places to visit.

Strasbourg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

It's common for backpackers to visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for Students?

For students, both Strasbourg and La Rochelle are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Strasbourg is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Public transit in Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Strasbourg or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Strasbourg and La Rochelle are great when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

La Rochelle is a very walkable city. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Strasbourg or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Strasbourg, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Strasbourg 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the impressive destination of Strasbourg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This 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.

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

The charming city of Strasbourg offers shopping and museums. 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.

La Rochelle, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Strasbourg. 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.

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg and La Rochelle, 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 Strasbourg or La Rochelle?

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 Strasbourg or La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Strasbourg. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Strasbourg usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Strasbourg or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Strasbourg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In October, Strasbourg is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in October than La Rochelle. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and La Rochelle. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Strasbourg in the winter. Strasbourg is much colder than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Strasbourg or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as La Rochelle. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Strasbourg