A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulouse vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Nightlife

Should you visit Toulouse or Arles?

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 Arles 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toulouse is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Arles is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also well known for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Toulouse. 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.

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

Toulouse is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Toulouse has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Toulouse or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Toulouse is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Toulouse or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles 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 Arles can be explored in its historical center. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

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 the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Arles?

Toulouse is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Toulouse or Arles Better for Families?

Toulouse is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Toulouse or Arles Better for Couples?

Both Toulouse and Arles are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Toulouse or Arles Better for Students?

Toulouse is very good for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Toulouse is popular with students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Toulouse and Arles both offer nice 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.

Arles has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Toulouse or Arles a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Arles 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.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulouse or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Toulouse than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

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

One day in Toulouse or Arles?

In Toulouse, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful town of Arles offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Arles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Arles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Toulouse or Arles?

Toulouse is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulouse. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 comparing the travel costs between Toulouse and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Arles?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Toulouse or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Arles. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulouse this time of the year. In the summer, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Arles. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arles because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Toulouse is around the same temperature as Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulouse in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Arles. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulouse or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Toulouse during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In January, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Arles. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 6°C (44°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Arles. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Arles. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the natural beauty.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives more rain than Arles. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Toulouse