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

Should you visit Versailles or Arles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Arles, 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 opulent, historic, and extensive palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Arles?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Arles than Versailles. While Versailles is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Also, Arles is famous for L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Versailles different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Versailles or Arles.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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

Arles is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

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 Arles Better for Nightlife?

Arles 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 Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Arles Better for its Old Town?

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

Arles offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Arles?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Arles Better for Families?

Arles is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

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 Arles Better for Couples?

Versailles and Arles are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Versailles is a great palace if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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

Versailles is well known for its public transit. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Versailles. 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.

While Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Versailles or Arles a more walkable city?

Versailles and Arles 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.

Arles is a very walkable palace. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Versailles or Arles to fill your time. In our opinion, Arles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Arles than Versailles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Arles?

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this ornate destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With museums and nightlife around the compact town of Arles, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arles, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Arles, there's plenty to do. 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 museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Versailles or Arles?

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Arles?

You'll find museums around the extensive destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Arles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Arles much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arles would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arles 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 Arles.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Arles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Versailles or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Arles. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Versailles is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Arles. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

Versailles is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Arles. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. In the winter, Versailles is cooler than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Arles. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Arles. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Versailles is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Arles. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Versailles