A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulouse vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Toulouse or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne 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 vibrant, friendly, and relaxed 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Toulouse and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse than Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Toulouse different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Toulouse is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Toulouse or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Toulouse, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Toulouse or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Toulouse or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Toulouse or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a city with good options for hiking. However, Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Saint-Etienne?

Toulouse is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Toulouse or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Toulouse is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toulouse is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Toulouse or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Toulouse is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Toulouse or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Toulouse is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Toulouse and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Toulouse or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Toulouse is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Toulouse. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Toulouse or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Toulouse. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Toulouse. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulouse and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Toulouse is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Saint-Etienne?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit Toulouse or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Toulouse during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

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

Should I visit Toulouse or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

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

Should I visit Toulouse or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the natural beauty.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Toulouse