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

Should you visit Versailles or Carcassonne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Carcassonne, 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 historic, extensive, and beautiful palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Versailles and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Carcassonne. Although Versailles and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Carcassonne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Carcassonne is more popular for its food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. It is also home to La Cité de Carcassonne.

La Cité de Carcassonne

How is Versailles different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

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

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Versailles or Carcassonne Better for Families?

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

Carcassonne offers lots of family activities. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Versailles is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Versailles makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Versailles or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Carcassonne 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, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Versailles is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Versailles or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Carcassonne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful palace of Versailles. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this palace has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and food around the historical town of Carcassonne, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carcassonne, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the ornate destination of Versailles. This palace offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and museums around the destination of Carcassonne, there's plenty to do. 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 Carcassonne?

The ornate palace of Versailles offers museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Carcassonne?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

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

Versailles is cooler than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Versailles is cooler than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Versailles in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. In January, Versailles is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 5°C (40°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Versailles usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne 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 and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Versailles is cooler than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Versailles