A Travel Price Comparison for France Auxerre vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Auxerre or Annecy?

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 Auxerre and Annecy can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auxerre and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auxerre or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Auxerre and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auxerre or Annecy?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Annecy and Auxerre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Auxerre. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Auxerre or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Auxerre or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Auxerre or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Annecy offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is Auxerre or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is great for hiking. However, Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Annecy?

Annecy is very good for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Annecy has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Annecy. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Auxerre or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Annecy has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Auxerre or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Auxerre or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auxerre and Annecy both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Auxerre or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Auxerre Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Annecy?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Auxerre 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 Annecy.

One day in Auxerre or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Auxerre. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine 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 Auxerre or Annecy?

Auxerre 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.

Annecy 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Annecy has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy 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 Auxerre or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Auxerre. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Annecy. Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre and Annecy, 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 Auxerre or Annecy?

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 Auxerre or Annecy in the Summer?

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

In July, Auxerre is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 19°C (66°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auxerre. Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Annecy. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auxerre or Annecy in the Autumn?

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

Auxerre is around the same temperature as Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Auxerre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Annecy. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. In the winter, Auxerre is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auxerre in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Auxerre usually receives more rain than Annecy. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auxerre or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Auxerre is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 10°C (50°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Auxerre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Auxerre