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

Should you visit Versailles or Avignon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Avignon, 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 beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a picturesque, historical, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Versailles and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Avignon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avignon. Although Versailles and Avignon are about the same size, Avignon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avignon is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles is more popular for its impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Avignon and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Also, Avignon is famous for Palais des Papes.

How is Versailles different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Versailles or Avignon.

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 Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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

Avignon is an amazing 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, Avignon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Avignon is adequate for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Avignon doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

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

Avignon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Avignon?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Avignon. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Avignon Better for Families?

Avignon is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Avignon offers lots of family activities. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

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 Avignon Better for Couples?

Versailles and Avignon are both great 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.

Avignon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Versailles or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon 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 Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Versailles can get you to most places easily. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Versailles or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its high level of walkability.

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Versailles is a very walkable palace. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Avignon?

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

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Avignon?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This palace offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avignon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Avignon?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer.

Even though Avignon 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Versailles or Avignon?

Versailles is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon, 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 Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Avignon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Avignon, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Versailles much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Versailles would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Versailles 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Versailles.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Avignon?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Avignon. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives more rain than Avignon. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Avignon. Many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

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

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Avignon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Versailles is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Versailles usually receives less rain than Avignon. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Versailles during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

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

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Versailles