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

Should you visit Versailles or Toulouse?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Toulouse, 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 beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a dynamic, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Toulouse?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Versailles. Toulouse is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toulouse is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is more popular for its museums & sights and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. Also, Toulouse is famous for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Versailles different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Versailles has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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

Toulouse 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, Toulouse is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Toulouse has something for everybody. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Most people don't head to Versailles specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip from Paris, but those who linger can grab a drink at a pub or bar.

Is Versailles or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Toulouse to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Toulouse?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Toulouse Better for Families?

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

Toulouse is a very family-friendly destination. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse Better for Couples?

Versailles and Toulouse are both high quality 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.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Versailles or Toulouse Better for Students?

Toulouse is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Versailles or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Versailles and Toulouse are high quality 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.

Toulouse is a very walkable palace. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Versailles or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toulouse due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Toulouse?

The beautiful palace of Versailles offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the dynamic city of Toulouse, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Toulouse?

Versailles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this palace makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Versailles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Toulouse, 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. 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 Toulouse?

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Toulouse, 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 Toulouse?

Versailles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This palace offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Versailles or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Versailles is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulouse. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Versailles during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toulouse in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Versailles is cooler than Toulouse in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toulouse. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Toulouse. Many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Versailles is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Toulouse averages at about 6°C (44°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Versailles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulouse. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Toulouse. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Versailles is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulouse. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Versailles