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

Should you visit Versailles or Reims?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Reims, 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 opulent, historic, and extensive palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Reims?

You'll generally find more things to do in Reims than Versailles. Reims is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Reims is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Reims and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Reims is well known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Also, Reims is famous for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.

How is Versailles different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Versailles on the map. 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Reims 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 Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Reims?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Reims Better for Families?

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

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

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 Reims Better for Couples?

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

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims 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 Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Versailles offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Versailles or Reims a more walkable city?

Versailles and Reims 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.

Reims is a very walkable palace. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Reims?

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

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Reims?

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 museums and nightlife around the scenic city of Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims, 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 Reims?

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.

Reims, 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 Reims?

You'll find museums around the historic 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Reims. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In July, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°F), and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Reims. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Versailles is a little warmer than Reims in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Versailles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reims. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reims in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Reims can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. In the winter, Versailles is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Reims averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets more sunshine than Reims. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Reims in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Reims. Many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reims for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Versailles is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives more rain than Reims. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reims and Versailles