A Travel Price Comparison for France Versailles vs. Nice for Food and Couples

Should you visit Versailles or Nice?

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

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

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nice is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Nice is famous for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais.

How is Versailles different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is an amazing seaside destination 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, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Versailles is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Versailles is not a resort destination.

Is Versailles or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Versailles or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Versailles or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a great seaside destination for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nice to see the historical old town. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Nice?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Nice Better for Families?

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

Nice offers lots of family activities. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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.

Is Versailles or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles and Nice both offer high quality 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

Is Versailles or Nice a more walkable city?

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

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Nice?

In either Versailles or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Versailles because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Nice?

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.

With shopping and nightlife around the opulent seaside destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. 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 Nice?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nice, 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 Nice?

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

Nice, a popular seaside destination, 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 seaside destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Nice?

The ornate 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Nice?

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

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Versailles is cooler than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Nice. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Nice. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Nice. Many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. Versailles is much colder than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Versailles is cooler than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Nice. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Versailles