A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Le Mans for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Le Mans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a idyllic, peaceful, and park-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and theater.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Le Mans are popular destinations, Stratford-upon-Avon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Stratford-upon-Avon is very popular for its theatre productions, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Le Mans attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It is also well known for Shakespeare's Birthplace. Le Mans is famous for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Le Mans and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

Le Mans is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Le Mans is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Stratford-upon-Avon is world-class. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Le Mans is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Stratford-upon-Avon. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Le Mans is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very good for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Le Mans. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Le Mans are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Le Mans is a good town for couples to visit. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Le Mans is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Le Mans is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Le Mans is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Le Mans has some public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Stratford-upon-Avon and Le Mans are nice when it comes to walkability.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable place. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Le Mans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Le Mans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Le Mans than in Stratford-upon-Avon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Le Mans.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Le Mans than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Le Mans.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Le Mans, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Le Mans for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Le Mans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

The destination of Le Mans offers nightlife and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Le Mans. This town offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Le Mans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Le Mans, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Le Mans. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Le Mans this time of the year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Le Mans. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Le Mans. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Le Mans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Le Mans. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans in the Winter?

Both Le Mans and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Le Mans can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Le Mans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Le Mans averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Le Mans in the Spring?

Both Le Mans and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Le Mans. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Stratford-upon-Avon