Which place is cheaper, Centre and Loire Valley or Rhone-Alpes?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Rhone-Alpes or Centre and Loire Valley?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rhone-Alpes and Centre and Loire Valley. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Rhone-Alpes or Centre and Loire Valley?
Rhone-Alpes
Rhone-Alps is part of Auvergne-Rhone-Alps, a new region in France, located along the Eastern border towards the south of the country. The region was named after the Rhone River and the Alps mountain range. The capital city, Lyon, is the second largest metropolitan area in France behind Paris and Rhone Alps has the sixth largest economy of any European region. The Rhone-Alps is a beautiful region, bordering Italy and Switzerland to the east, Burgundy to the north, Auvergne to the west and the Provence region to the south. The area features much of the greatest scenery in France, from the high Alps of the Savoy region to the lavender fields of the Drome and the stunning Gorges de l'Ardeche. A great outdoors destination!
Centre and Loire Valley
The Loire Valley, part of the larger Centre region of France, is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River. It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France because of the many vineyards, fruit orchards, and vegetable fields, which line the banks of the river. The Loire Valley has been inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic period, so it has many notable historic towns, architecture, and wines. The central part of the Loire Valley is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sights. This area is a great location if you are looking for French splendor, style, and cuisine. The Loire Valley was once of great strategic importance between the north and south of France, so there are many amazing castles and towers in the area. The Valley is best known for its outstanding wines and its lively, sophisticated cities. The area in general has a pleasant or laid back feel, and has been called a bit of a story-book wonderland. It is definitely a must see if you're planning a trip to France.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.
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Rhone-Alpes Prices
France PricesCentre and Loire Valley Prices
France Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRhone-Alpes €206Centre and Loire Valley €151
The average daily cost (per person) in Rhone-Alpes is €206, while the average daily cost in Centre and Loire Valley is €151. 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 Rhone-Alpes and Centre and Loire Valley in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRhone-Alpes €69Centre and Loire Valley €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRhone-Alpes €138Centre and Loire Valley €118
Compare Hotels in Rhone-Alpes and Centre and Loire Valley
Looking for a hotel in Rhone-Alpes or Centre and Loire Valley? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rhone-Alpes €30Centre and Loire Valley €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rhone-Alpes
Also for Rhone-Alpes, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lyon Airport (LYS) to Morzine/Avoriaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $271
- Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $251
- Chamonix to Turin Airport (TRN) - Departure Private Transfer: $234
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $194
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Évian-les-Bains: $176
- Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS)to Aix-les-Bain-RoundTrip Transfer: $167
- Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon city centre to Lyon (LYS) Airport: $143
- Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $118
- Private Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $118
- Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $118
- Lyon Airport Private Transfer – Meet & Greet Included: $108
- Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Sedan Car: $106
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Centre and Loire Valley
Also for Centre and Loire Valley, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $251
- Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $251
- Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $191
- Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $126
- Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $66
- Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $62
- Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Rhone-Alpes or Centre and Loire Valley?
Prices for flights to both Centre and Loire Valley and Rhone-Alpes 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
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Food Meals for one dayRhone-Alpes €74Centre and Loire Valley €65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rhone-Alpes
For Rhone-Alpes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $90
- Food Tour in Lyon – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $96
- Food Tour by night: $102
- Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $106
- Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Delicacies & Fine Wine: $109
- Annecy Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience by Do Eat Better: $118
- Lyon Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $125
- All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $162
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Annecy with a Local: $190
- Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Tour: $272
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Centre and Loire Valley
For Centre and Loire Valley, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lunchtime Food Tour of Tours: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rhone-Alpes €42Centre and Loire Valley €19
Tours and Activities in Rhone-Alpes
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rhone-Alpes.
- Private Gastronomic Tour in Lyon : $299
- 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $36
- 2 hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Lyon : $239
- 2h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide: $42
- 3 Hours Private Bike Tour in Lyon with a Guide: $195
- 3h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide: $60
- ANNECY | Private Walking Tour of Annecy's Historical Center: $255
- Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $12
- Annecy Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.51
- Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $49
- Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $61
- Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $73
Tours and Activities in Centre and Loire Valley
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Centre and Loire Valley.
- Amboise Alcove 3 Hours Exclusive Walking Tour: $235
- Castle Epicurean Experience with Wine & Local Specialties: $119
- Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $31
- Chateau Gaillard Royal Domain Admission Ticket: $24
- Chenonceau Castle Entry Ticket: $31
- Chenonceau Castle guided half-day trip from Tours: $117
- Chenonceaux Château Revealed: Exclusive Walking Tour: $280
- Clos Lucé Castle and Da Vinci Park Entry Ticket: $36
- Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau & Chambord from Tours/Amboise: $173
- Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise: $281
- Day Tour to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles : $173
- Discovery ride from Tours: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRhone-Alpes €22Centre and Loire Valley €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rhone-Alpes
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rhone-Alpes:
- Lyon: Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $30
- Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $108
- Wine Tasting and Introduction to Tasting Techniques: $114
- Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
- The Original Syrah Wine Tour (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $118
- Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $118
- Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $118
- The Original Syrah Wine Tour (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $130
- Northern Rhône Valley Wine tour from Lyon Half Day: $130
- Beaujolais wine tour from Lyon half day: $130
- Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $142
- Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $143
Sample the Local Flavors in Centre and Loire Valley
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Centre and Loire Valley:
- Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley: $33
- Tour of a Vineyard, Winery & Cellar with Wine Tasting in Vouvray, Loire Valley: $65
- Loire Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Tours : Vouvray Wine Tasting: $118
- Loire Valley Tour from Amboise Vouvray Wine Tasting: $118
- Morning - Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing, Vouvray: $149
- Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise: $173
- Loire Valley Wine Tour in Chinon & Bourgueil: $179
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rhone-Alpes and Centre and Loire Valley, we can see that Rhone-Alpes is more expensive. And not only is Centre and Loire Valley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Centre and Loire Valley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Centre and Loire Valley 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 Rhone-Alpes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rhone-Alpes than you might in Centre and Loire Valley.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rhone-Alpes Expensive? and Is Centre and Loire Valley Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Rhone-Alpes or Centre and Loire Valley?
Rhone-Alpes has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Centre and Loire Valley. When comparing the sizes of Rhone-Alpes and Centre and Loire Valley, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.