A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Zermatt or Avignon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Avignon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Avignon

Avignon is a scenic, picturesque, and historical town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Zermatt and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Avignon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Avignon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Zermatt is more touristy than Avignon and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Avignon is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Avignon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zermatt or Avignon?

Avignon is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Avignon that are not to be missed. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Zermatt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Avignon is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Avignon is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is very popular for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Avignon has a world-famous historical area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Avignon?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for Families?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zermatt. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for Couples?

Zermatt is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Zermatt or Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Zermatt and Avignon offer notable public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Zermatt or Avignon a more walkable city?

Zermatt and Avignon both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zermatt or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zermatt than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt than Avignon 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 Zermatt.

One day in Zermatt or Avignon?

In Zermatt, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Zermatt or Avignon?

In Zermatt, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zermatt has to offer.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Avignon has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Avignon?

Zermatt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zermatt has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon 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 Zermatt or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Zermatt. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Avignon?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Avignon, 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 Zermatt or Avignon?

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 Zermatt or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Avignon. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Avignon. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Avignon. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Avignon because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Avignon. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Avignon. The winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. In the winter, Zermatt is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Avignon. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm.

In April, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Avignon. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Avignon. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Zermatt