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

Should you visit Zermatt or Toulon?

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 Toulon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a breathtaking, charming, and stunning town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zermatt and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Toulon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Toulon are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Zermatt is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for snow skiing. However, Toulon is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Toulon is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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 Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zermatt is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Zermatt offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Toulon is not a resort destination.

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

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Zermatt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Zermatt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for its beaches. However, Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Toulon is a good place to visit the old town. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Toulon?

Both Zermatt and Toulon are very good shopping destinations.

Zermatt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Toulon is well-known for its shopping. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Families?

Zermatt is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Toulon is a family-friendly town. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Couples?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Zermatt has plenty to offer. 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Zermatt or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

Both Zermatt and Toulon offer good 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.

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Zermatt or Toulon a more walkable city?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Toulon is a very walkable town. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zermatt or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zermatt than Toulon 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 Toulon.

Families should spend more time in Zermatt than Toulon. 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 Toulon. 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 Toulon 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 Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Toulon, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city 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 Toulon?

Zermatt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Toulon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Toulon 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.

A week in Zermatt or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the iconic destination of Zermatt. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Toulon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulon. 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Toulon, 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 Toulon?

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 Zermatt or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In July, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Toulon. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zermatt or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Zermatt during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zermatt is around the same temperature as Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Toulon. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Toulon. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. In January, Zermatt is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zermatt or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Toulon. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the spring, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Toulon. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Zermatt