A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Rouen for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Toulon or Rouen?

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 Rouen 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulon than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toulon is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Rouen attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Rouen is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. 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 Toulon different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Toulon and Rouen have nice 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.

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

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

Rouen is a well-known 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rouen makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

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 Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Both Toulon and Rouen are nice 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 Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Toulon or Rouen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Rouen 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.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for the beache. However, Rouen 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.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is very good for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

Many visitors go to Rouen to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

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 Rouen?

Toulon is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Is Toulon or Rouen Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Rouen.

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.

Rouen is a family-friendly port city. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.

Is Toulon or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Rouen is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

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 Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon is a popular place for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city 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.

Rouen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpackers may struggle to find a hostel with a social setting, but for those who make it here there are many beautiful things to see.

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

Rouen 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 Rouen is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

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 Rouen a more walkable city?

Toulon and Rouen 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.

Rouen is a very walkable port city. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulon or Rouen to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path 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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rouen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Rouen?

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.

Rouen 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 Rouen?

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 Rouen. 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 Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the off-the-beaten-path 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 shopping and museums when visiting the impressive destination of Rouen. 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 comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Rouen, 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 Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Rouen?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Rouen, 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 Rouen?

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 Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Rouen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Rouen. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In October, Toulon is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in October than Rouen. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Rouen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. Toulon is much warmer than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Toulon or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Rouen. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Toulon is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°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 Rouen. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in April than Rouen. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Toulon