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

Should you visit Versailles or Volterra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Volterra, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Versailles and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Volterra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Volterra. Although Versailles and Volterra are both popular with visitors, Volterra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Volterra is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. It is also home to The Roman Theater.

How is Versailles different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Many visitors head to Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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

Volterra is an amazing town 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, Volterra is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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 Volterra Better for Nightlife?

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

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Volterra offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Volterra?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Volterra Better for Families?

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

Volterra offers lots of family activities. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

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 Volterra Better for Couples?

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

Volterra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

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 Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra 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 Volterra. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is well known for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Versailles or Volterra a more walkable city?

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

Volterra is a very easy town to get around on foot. Most people explore the town 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 Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Volterra?

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

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Volterra?

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.

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Volterra, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Volterra?

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.

Even though Volterra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 town.

Five days in Versailles or Volterra?

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.

Volterra, a popular town, 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Volterra?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Volterra. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Versailles is cooler than Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Volterra because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Volterra. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. In January, Versailles is generally much colder than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 5°C (40°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Volterra. The natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Versailles is cooler than Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Volterra. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Versailles