A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Toulon or Paris?

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

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Toulon and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Toulon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Toulon different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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.

Is Toulon or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Toulon is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Toulon is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Toulon is not a live music destination.

Paris is a world class music destination. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Toulon is not a live music destination.

Is Toulon or Paris Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Paris Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is adequate for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Toulon is a good place to visit the old town. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Paris?

Paris 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.

Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Toulon does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination during the Christmas season. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Toulon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Toulon or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. 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 Toulon or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Toulon or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Toulon or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is an unbeatable place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Paris is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors in Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Toulon and Paris both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Paris is a very walkable port city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Paris?

Both Toulon and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Toulon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toulon, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

One day in Toulon or Paris?

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.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Paris?

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.

Paris is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Paris?

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 Paris. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Paris?

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.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Toulon or Paris in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Paris. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Toulon is a little warmer than Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the summer, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Paris. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in July than Paris. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In the autumn, Toulon is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Paris during autumn. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulon usually receives more rain than Paris. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulon or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Toulon during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. In January, Toulon is generally a little warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 7°C (44°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Paris. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in January than Paris. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Paris in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Paris. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Toulon is a little warmer than Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Paris during spring. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Toulon