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

Should you visit Toulouse or Rouen?

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 Rouen 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 friendly, relaxed, and dynamic 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.

Rouen

Rouen is a relaxing, historical, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulouse is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Rouen is known for its impressive beauty. Rouen is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. 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 Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulouse is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Toulouse offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Rouen. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

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

Toulouse is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Toulouse is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Rouen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

Is Toulouse or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Toulouse or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is notable for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Rouen has an old town worth visiting. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Rouen?

Toulouse is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Toulouse is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Is Toulouse or Rouen Better for Families?

Toulouse is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Rouen is a family-friendly city. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.

Is Toulouse or Rouen Better for Couples?

Both Toulouse and Rouen are excellent 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.

Rouen is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

Is Toulouse or Rouen Better for Students?

Toulouse is a popular place for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is great 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.

Rouen offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

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

Is Toulouse or Rouen a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Rouen are excellent 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.

Rouen is very walkable. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulouse or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Toulouse than Rouen 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 Rouen.

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Rouen. 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 Rouen. 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 Rouen 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 Rouen?

In Toulouse, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed 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 city of Rouen offers food and shopping. 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 Rouen?

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.

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

Five days in Toulouse or Rouen?

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.

Rouen 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 Rouen?

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.

Rouen 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 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 Rouen, we can see that Toulouse 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 Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Rouen?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Rouen, 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 Rouen?

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 Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Toulouse during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulouse. In the summer, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Rouen. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Toulouse is a little warmer than Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Rouen. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulouse or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Rouen. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rouen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rouen can be very cold. In the winter, Toulouse is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

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

Toulouse usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rouen. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In April, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives more rain than Rouen. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Toulouse