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

Should you visit Versailles or Bordeaux?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Bordeaux, 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 extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Bordeaux is famous for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André.

How is Versailles different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Versailles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux is an amazing city 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, Bordeaux is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Bordeaux Better for Families?

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

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Versailles and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Versailles or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles and Bordeaux both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

Public transit in Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Versailles or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Versailles and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable palace. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Bordeaux?

In either Versailles or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Versailles because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Bordeaux?

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 museums and nightlife around the historical city of Bordeaux, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, there's plenty to do. 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 city.

Five days in Versailles or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Bordeaux. Additionally, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Versailles is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Bordeaux. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Bordeaux this time of year.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Versailles is cooler than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Bordeaux. The natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Versailles is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Versailles