A Travel Price Comparison for France Auxerre vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Auxerre or Arles?

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

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auxerre or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arles. Although Auxerre and Arles are popular destinations, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Arles is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also well known for L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles 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 Arles?

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Arles is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

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 Arles Better for Nightlife?

Arles 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 Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

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 Arles Better for its Old Town?

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

Arles offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Arles?

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

Arles has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Arles Better for Families?

Auxerre is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Auxerre. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Auxerre or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Arles is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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

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

Auxerre and Arles both offer nice 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.

Arles has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Auxerre or Arles a more walkable city?

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

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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 Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Auxerre or Arles to fill your time. In our opinion, Arles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Arles than Auxerre. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arles 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 Arles.

One day in Auxerre or Arles?

In Auxerre, many people enjoy the food and museums that this authentic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Auxerre or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Arles?

Auxerre is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Auxerre. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles 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 Arles?

You'll find museums and food around the authentic destination of Auxerre. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Auxerre or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Arles. The summer months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

Auxerre is cooler than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auxerre this time of the year. In the summer, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Arles. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Auxerre is cooler than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auxerre in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Arles. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auxerre or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Auxerre during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. In January, Auxerre is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 3°C (37°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Arles. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Arles. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

Auxerre is cooler than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Arles. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Auxerre