A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Versailles vs. Varenna for Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Versailles or Varenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Varenna, 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 ornate, opulent, and historic palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Versailles and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Varenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Varenna. Although Versailles and Varenna are popular destinations, Varenna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Varenna is very popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Versailles is more touristy than Varenna and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Varenna is famous for its beautiful location by Lake Como. It is also well known for Lake Como.

Lake Como

How is Versailles different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Versailles are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Varenna is an amazing village 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, Varenna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Varenna is adequate for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Varenna doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a great village for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Varenna?

Varenna is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Varenna Better for Families?

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

Varenna offers lots of family activities. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

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 Varenna Better for Couples?

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

Varenna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna 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 Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Versailles or Varenna a more walkable city?

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

Varenna is a very easy village to get around on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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 Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Varenna?

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

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Varenna?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This palace offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and food around the scenic village of Varenna, 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Varenna, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Varenna?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer.

With food and shopping around the destination of Varenna, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 village.

Five days in Versailles or Varenna?

Versailles is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Varenna, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Varenna 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Versailles and Varenna, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Varenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varenna 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 Varenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Varenna?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Varenna. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Versailles usually receives less rain than Varenna. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Varenna. Many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Varenna can be very cold. Versailles can be very cold during winter. Versailles is around the same temperature as Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Versailles usually receives less rain than Varenna. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Versailles during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In the spring, Versailles is cooler than Varenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Varenna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Versailles