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

Should you visit Toulouse or Lyon?

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 Lyon 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 dynamic, historic, and vibrant 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a historic, beautiful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Toulouse and Lyon are roughly the same size, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Toulouse different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon 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, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

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 Lyon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Toulouse and Lyon offer a number of first-rate 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 Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

Is Toulouse or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Toulouse and Lyon.

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.

Lyon has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Is Toulouse or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon 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 Lyon can be explored in its historical center. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

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 Lyon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Lyon both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Lyon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Is Toulouse or Lyon Better for Families?

Both Toulouse and Lyon are high quality 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.

Lyon is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

Is Toulouse or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Toulouse and Lyon are high quality 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.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Toulouse or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Lyon is a very popular city for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Toulouse or Lyon a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Lyon are high quality 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.

Lyon is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Lyon?

In either Toulouse or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Toulouse because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon 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 Lyon.

One day in Toulouse or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Toulouse. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Lyon?

Toulouse is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Toulouse or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Toulouse. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Lyon?

The dynamic city of Toulouse offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Lyon is a great place to explore. 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 city 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 Lyon, we can see that Lyon 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 Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Lyon, 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 Lyon?

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 Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Toulouse during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulouse. In the summer, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Lyon. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

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

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Lyon. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulouse or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Lyon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In the winter, Toulouse is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lyon. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lyon. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Toulouse