A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. La Rochelle for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Windsor or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Windsor or La Rochelle? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Windsor or La Rochelle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than La Rochelle and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is Windsor different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Rochelle and Windsor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or La Rochelle?

Windsor
La Rochelle

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Windsor and La Rochelle.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.


Is the Food Better in Windsor or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
La Rochelle

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and La Rochelle.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Windsor
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a popular place for the beache. However, Windsor is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Windsor is not a beach destination.


Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Windsor
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or La Rochelle?

Windsor
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

La Rochelle offers some nice shopping areas. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Windsor
La Rochelle

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or La Rochelle.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Windsor
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Windsor
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a popular place for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is popular with students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Windsor is not popular with students.

Is Windsor or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Windsor
La Rochelle

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and La Rochelle.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Windsor or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Windsor
La Rochelle

Windsor and La Rochelle both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Windsor 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 La Rochelle.


  • How many days in Windsor or La Rochelle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    La Rochelle 2-4

One day in Windsor or La Rochelle?

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In La Rochelle, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or La Rochelle?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In La Rochelle, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Rochelle has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or La Rochelle?

Because Windsor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.


A week in Windsor or La Rochelle?

Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting La Rochelle. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, La Rochelle or Windsor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in La Rochelle is £97. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Windsor and La Rochelle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    La Rochelle £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    La Rochelle £114
Compare Hotels in Windsor and La Rochelle

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or La Rochelle? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Windsor


Hotels in La Rochelle


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Windsor Hotel Prices and La Rochelle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    La Rochelle £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Rochelle

Also for La Rochelle, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE): $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or La Rochelle?

Prices for flights to both La Rochelle and Windsor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Windsor £39
    La Rochelle £30
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    La Rochelle £11

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Tours and Activities in La Rochelle

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for La Rochelle.

  • La Rochelle : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Entry Ticket to the 3 Towers: $12
  • La Rochelle Towers Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Les Minimes and Bay Boat Tour: $18
  • Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $22
  • Planet Exotica entrance ticket: $23
  • Coastline Sailing Cruise: $27
  • 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise: $31
  • 3-Hour Sailing cruise: $37
  • La Rochelle Seaside Segway Tour - 1h: $43
  • Lighthouse at the End of the World Segway Tour - 1h: $43
  • Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    La Rochelle £14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and La Rochelle, we can see that Windsor is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor than you might in La Rochelle.

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


Which is Bigger, Windsor or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor and La Rochelle, 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 Windsor or La Rochelle?

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 Windsor or La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Windsor is around the same temperature as La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    La Rochelle 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Windsor or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and La Rochelle. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Windsor is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    La Rochelle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Windsor or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. In January, Windsor is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    La Rochelle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Windsor or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Windsor is cooler than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    La Rochelle 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Windsor

Windsor La Rochelle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


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