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

Should you visit Versailles or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Lille, 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums.

Lille

Lille is a cultural, culinary, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Versailles and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Versailles different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille 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, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Lille has something for everybody. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great city for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical old town. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Lille?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lille. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Lille Better for Families?

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

For families, Lille is not always the best place to visit. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

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 Lille Better for Couples?

Versailles is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Lille is a good palace for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Versailles or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille 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 Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Lille Better for Students?

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

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles and Lille both offer superb 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 Lille can get you to some places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Versailles or Lille a more walkable city?

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

Lille is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored 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 Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Versailles and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lille than in Versailles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

One day in Versailles or Lille?

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this grand 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 shopping and nightlife around the under-rated city of Lille, there's plenty to do. 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 Lille, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Lille?

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 Lille, 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Versailles or Lille?

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.

Lille, a popular city, 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 Lille?

You'll find museums around the beautiful 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Lille?

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

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 Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the summer, Versailles is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Versailles. In the summer, Versailles often gets more sunshine than Lille. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Lille. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Versailles usually receives more sunshine than Lille during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Lille. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. Versailles is a little warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets more sunshine than Lille. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lille. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Versailles is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Versailles usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives more rain than Lille. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Versailles