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

Should you visit Versailles or Lyon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Lyon, 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.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Versailles is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Versailles different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Versailles or Lyon.

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 Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

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

Lyon 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, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

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 Lyon Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Lyon has something for everybody. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

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

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Lyon?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

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 Lyon Better for Couples?

Versailles and Lyon are both superb 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.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Versailles or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lyon is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Lyon is a great destination for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

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.

Is Versailles or Lyon a more walkable city?

Versailles and Lyon are superb 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.

Lyon is a very walkable palace. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Lyon?

In either Versailles or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon 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 Lyon.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Lyon?

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Lyon?

You'll find museums around the historic destination of Versailles. This palace offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Lyon?

The extensive palace of Versailles offers museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Lyon, 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 Lyon?

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 Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the summer, Versailles is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Versailles. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lyon. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Lyon. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for 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 Lyon. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Versailles or Lyon in the Winter?

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

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. Versailles is a little warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lyon. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon 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 Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Lyon. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Versailles