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

Should you visit Versailles or Biarritz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Biarritz, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Biarritz. Although Versailles and Biarritz are popular destinations, Biarritz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Biarritz is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Biarritz and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also well known for Grande Plage.

How is Versailles different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz is a great seaside 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 Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Biarritz has something for everybody. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its luxury resorts. However, Versailles is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Versailles is not a resort destination.

Is Versailles or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Biarritz?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Biarritz Better for Families?

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

Biarritz is a very family-friendly destination. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

Versailles and Biarritz are both very good 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.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Versailles or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Versailles can get you to some 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Versailles or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Versailles and Biarritz are very good 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable palace. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Biarritz?

Both Versailles and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Versailles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Biarritz?

The beautiful palace of Versailles offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and nightlife around the quirky seaside town of Biarritz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Biarritz?

Versailles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this palace makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Versailles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Biarritz, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Versailles or Biarritz?

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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.

Biarritz, a popular seaside town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Biarritz?

Versailles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This palace offers something for everyone.

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer. 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 Biarritz, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Biarritz?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Biarritz. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Versailles usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Versailles is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In January, Versailles usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Versailles during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Versailles is around the same temperature as Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Versailles