A Travel Price Comparison for France Versailles vs. Annecy for Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Versailles or Annecy?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Annecy, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums.

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking alpine town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Versailles and Annecy are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Annecy is famous for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle.

How is Versailles different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and Versailles. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Versailles or Annecy?

Versailles is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Versailles are world-renowned. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Versailles or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Annecy is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Versailles or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Annecy offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Versailles or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great alpine town for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Annecy?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a great alpine town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very family-friendly destination. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Versailles or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Annecy has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Versailles or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Versailles is a great palace for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

Versailles has some very good public transit options. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Versailles or Annecy a more walkable city?

Versailles and Annecy are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

Annecy is a very walkable palace. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Versailles Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Versailles or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Versailles 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 Annecy.

One day in Versailles or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Annecy?

Versailles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this alpine town.

Five days in Versailles or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy, a popular alpine town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the extensive destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Annecy?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Annecy, 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 Versailles or Annecy?

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 Versailles or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Versailles is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Versailles during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In October, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Annecy. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. Versailles is a little warmer than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Versailles or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Versailles is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Versailles