A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Saint-Tropez for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Toulon or Saint-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a glamourous, opulent, and ritzy resort town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Toulon and Saint-Tropez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Saint-Tropez?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint-Tropez. Although Toulon and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations, Saint-Tropez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint-Tropez is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Toulon attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. It is also well known for The Old Port. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

The Old Port

How is Toulon different from Saint-Tropez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez?

Toulon is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have 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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Toulon or Saint-Tropez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Toulon and Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Toulon or Saint-Tropez Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Toulon is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Saint-Tropez is a perfect choice. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Toulon or Saint-Tropez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez is not to be missed. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

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.

Is Toulon or Saint-Tropez Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

Saint-Tropez is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

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.

Is Toulon or Saint-Tropez Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Saint-Tropez?

Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez is one of the most popular family destinations. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez 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, Saint-Tropez has plenty to offer. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

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

Both Toulon and Saint-Tropez offer nice 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.

Saint-Tropez has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Toulon or Saint-Tropez a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez on foot. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Tropez or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Saint-Tropez?

It's fun to spend time in either Toulon or Saint-Tropez. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toulon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint-Tropez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Toulon or Saint-Tropez?

In Toulon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this industrial port city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Saint-Tropez?

Toulon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Toulon is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the luxurious destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulon and Saint-Tropez, we can see that Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Saint-Tropez?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Saint-Tropez, 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 Saint-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Toulon is around the same temperature as Saint-Tropez. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Tropez during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Saint-Tropez. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Saint-Tropez in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Saint-Tropez. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year.

In October, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Tropez. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the autumn, Toulon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Tropez. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 205 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint-Tropez. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Tropez. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Saint-Tropez in the Winter?

Both Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Toulon is cooler than Saint-Tropez in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Tropez during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Saint-Tropez. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Saint-Tropez in the Spring?

Both Saint-Tropez and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Toulon is around the same temperature as Saint-Tropez. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Tropez. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 245 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Tropez. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Tropez and Toulon