A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leuven vs. Versailles for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leuven or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Versailles? 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.

Where Should I go: Leuven or Versailles?

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

Versailles

Versailles, France, is a city steeped in royal history and famed worldwide for its magnificent palace and gardens. Located just 20 kilometers southwest of Paris, Versailles offers visitors an enchanting blend of grand architecture, lush parks, and charming old-world streets. Although the Palace of Versailles is the city’s signature attraction, the destination also boasts bustling markets, vibrant squares, and plenty of local culture. Versailles is easily accessible from Paris, making it a popular day-trip destination, but it also rewards those who linger longer. The atmosphere is a tranquil contrast to the capital, with tree-lined boulevards and elegant residential areas. Tourists can enjoy the picturesque neighborhoods, classic French dining, and a sense of historical immersion. Budget travelers will find plenty of affordable ways to explore this iconic destination, from wandering through beautiful parks to sampling treats at the local bakery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Leuven or Versailles?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Versailles, 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 Leuven or Versailles?

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 Leuven or Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Versailles. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leuven or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Versailles. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Leuven is around the same temperature as Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leuven usually receives more rain than Versailles. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Leuven or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Versailles. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Leuven can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Leuven is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leuven or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In April, Leuven is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Versailles. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Leuven