A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Calais for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Toulon or Calais?

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

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Toulon and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Calais?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calais is better known for its big city activities, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Toulon different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toulon or Calais?

Both Toulon and Calais have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Toulon and Calais can be an enjoyable experience.

Toulon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Calais has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Toulon or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Both Toulon and Calais are notable when it comes to partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Toulon or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Calais Better for Beaches?

Toulon and Calais are notable choices for a beach vacation.

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.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Toulon or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Calais?

Toulon is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Toulon. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Toulon or Calais Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Calais.

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.

Calais is a family-friendly port city. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Toulon or Calais Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Calais are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Calais makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Toulon or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

Both Toulon and Calais offer notable public transit options.

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

Calais has some public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Toulon or Calais a more walkable city?

Toulon is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Toulon Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Calais?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Calais 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 Toulon or Calais?

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

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

A weekend in Toulon or Calais?

Toulon 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.

Calais 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.

Five days in Toulon or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. 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.

A week in Toulon or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulon and Calais, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Toulon Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Calais?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Calais, 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 Toulon or Calais?

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 Toulon or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Calais. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toulon is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 24°C (75°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Calais. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Calais. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Toulon is a little warmer than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Calais. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Toulon 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 Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. In the winter, Toulon is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives more rain than Calais. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Toulon is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Calais. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Toulon