A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulouse vs. Le Mans for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Toulouse or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Toulouse and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Toulouse or Le Mans?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Le Mans. Toulouse is bigger than Le Mans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toulouse is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is more popular for its small town charm. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. Also, Toulouse is famous for Basilique Saint-Sernin. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Toulouse different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.


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

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Toulouse or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. 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 Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Toulouse or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse is great for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Le Mans?

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse is great for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Toulouse or Le Mans Better for Families?

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Toulouse or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.


Is Toulouse or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulouse
Le Mans

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

Le Mans is a good town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

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 Le Mans Better for Students?

Toulouse
Le Mans

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

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

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse and Le Mans both offer notable 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).


Is Toulouse or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Toulouse
Le Mans

Toulouse is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Toulouse and Le Mans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toulouse than in Le Mans. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 1-3 days is enough time in Le Mans.

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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.


  • How many days in Toulouse or Le Mans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulouse 2-4 
    Le Mans 1-3

One day in Toulouse or Le Mans?

In Toulouse, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Le Mans offers museums and nightlife. 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 Le Mans?

In Toulouse, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulouse has to offer.

Le Mans 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Le Mans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Toulouse or Le Mans?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Le Mans is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Le Mans is a great place to explore. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans or Toulouse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulouse is €125, while the average daily cost in Le Mans is €83. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Toulouse and Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulouse 67
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulouse 134
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Toulouse and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Le Mans? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Toulouse


Hotels in Le Mans


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Toulouse Hotel Prices and Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Le Mans 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

Also for Toulouse, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $243
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $93
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $88
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $54
  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans and Toulouse change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Toulouse 34
    Le Mans 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulouse

For Toulouse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $53
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $77
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $105
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $106
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulouse 15
    Le Mans 15

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Toulouse.

  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $17
  • Day Trip to Carcassonne Cite Medievale and Comtale Castle Tour from Toulouse: $35
  • Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Toulouse with Official Tour Guide: $257
  • Private tour of Toulouse in an electric Tuk Tuk: $66
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Toulouse : Electric Tuk-Tuk Tour with Photo Stops and Audio: $76
  • Toulouse : Must-see Private Walking Tour: $38
  • Toulouse : Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $9.67
  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.16
  • Toulouse E Bike Tour: $50
  • Toulouse E-Bike Tour: $49
  • Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Le Mans 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulouse

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Toulouse:

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $539


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

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


Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Le Mans?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans 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 Le Mans for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Toulouse is a little warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulouse in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulouse. Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town atmosphere.

In October, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 15°C (60°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in October than Le Mans. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Le Mans in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Le Mans in the winter. Toulouse is a little warmer than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Le Mans in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Toulouse is a little warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulouse in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in April than Le Mans. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Toulouse

Toulouse Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)