A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Lille for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Toulon or Lille?

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

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lille

Lille is a historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille. Although Toulon and Lille are about the same size, Lille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Toulon attracts visitors for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Lille is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Toulon different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulon is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Toulon or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Lille offers plenty to do in the evening. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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.

Is Toulon or Lille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Lille Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lille. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

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 Toulon or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lille is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

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.

Is Toulon or Lille Better for Families?

Toulon is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Toulon or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Lille are nice 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.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Toulon or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Lille are nice destinations 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Is Toulon or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Lille is very popular with students. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lille is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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

Is Toulon or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Lille on foot. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Lille?

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

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

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

One day in Toulon or Lille?

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this industrial destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Lille 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 Lille?

Toulon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the industrial destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the culinary destination of Lille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Lille, we can see that Toulon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Lille, 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 Lille?

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 Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Toulon is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Lille. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Toulon is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Lille. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Lille. Many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. Toulon is much warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives more rain than Lille. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Toulon is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Lille. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Toulon