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

Should you visit Versailles or Toulon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Toulon, 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 grand, ornate, and opulent palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulon is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Versailles different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Versailles that are not to be missed. 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.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Toulon is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Toulon. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

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 Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Toulon 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 Toulon has a few options to choose from. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Versailles or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Versailles or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is adequate for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Toulon is a good place to visit the old town. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Toulon?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Toulon Better for Families?

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

Toulon offers lots of family activities. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

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 Toulon Better for Couples?

Versailles is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Versailles or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon 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 Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Versailles or Toulon a more walkable city?

Versailles and Toulon are excellent 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.

Toulon is a very walkable palace. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Toulon?

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path port city of Toulon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Toulon?

Versailles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Toulon, 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 port city.

Five days in Versailles or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Toulon, a popular port city, 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 Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Toulon?

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

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 Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Versailles. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Toulon. The autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In the autumn, Versailles is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Versailles in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Toulon. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Toulon. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. In January, Versailles is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 5°C (40°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Versailles is cooler than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Versailles