A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Toulon for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon?

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 Toulon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food and theater.

Toulon

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

Stratford-upon-Avon and Toulon: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Toulon are popular destinations, Toulon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulon is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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 Toulon Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Toulon can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Toulon 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 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.

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

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for the beache. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is very good for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

Many visitors go to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the historical old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon?

Toulon is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon Better for Families?

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

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 Toulon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Toulon 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.

Toulon is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Toulon 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.

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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 Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. 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.

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

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon to fill your time. In our opinion, Toulon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toulon than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Toulon than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 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 Toulon.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Toulon, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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 Toulon?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Toulon 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 Toulon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. 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 destination of Toulon offers shopping 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 Toulon?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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. This port city 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Toulon, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 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 Toulon.

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 Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Toulon. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Toulon. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Toulon. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Toulon. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon