A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulouse vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Toulouse or Annecy?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and Annecy can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Toulouse and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse. Although Toulouse and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Toulouse has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toulouse is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Annecy is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toulouse or Annecy?

Toulouse is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Toulouse specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Toulouse or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Toulouse and Annecy offer a number of amazing restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Eat your way through Annecy, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Is Toulouse or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Toulouse has something for everybody. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Toulouse or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Annecy can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Is Toulouse or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is great for hiking. However, Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Annecy?

Toulouse is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Toulouse is well-known for its shopping. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Toulouse or Annecy Better for Families?

Both Toulouse and Annecy are superb to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Annecy is a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is Toulouse or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Toulouse or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Annecy is a good alpine town to visit for backpackers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Annecy Better for Students?

Toulouse is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Annecy is not popular with students.

Is Toulouse or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toulouse and Annecy both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Toulouse or Annecy a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Annecy are superb when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Toulouse or Annecy. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Toulouse 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 Annecy.

One day in Toulouse or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Annecy?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Toulouse or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Toulouse. 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.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulouse and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Toulouse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulouse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulouse 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Toulouse.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Annecy?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Annecy, 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 Toulouse or Annecy?

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 Toulouse or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulouse. Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during summer. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Annecy. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulouse or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Toulouse during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulouse is a little warmer than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Annecy. The winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. In the winter, Toulouse is much warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulouse or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Annecy. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Annecy. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Toulouse