A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auxerre vs. Lake Garda for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Auxerre or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Auxerre or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Auxerre and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Lake Garda has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lake Garda is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its small town charm. Lake Garda is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also home to Sirmione. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Auxerre
Lake Garda

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.


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

Auxerre
Lake Garda

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

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 Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

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 Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for the beach. However, Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.


Is Auxerre or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for hiking. However, Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda for the hiking trails. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Lake Garda?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is an amazing lake to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda is a great lake if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

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

Is Auxerre or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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 Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

The public transit in Lake Garda can get you to most places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.


Is Auxerre or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Auxerre
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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 Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Auxerre or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.


  • How many days in Auxerre or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Auxerre 1-2 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Auxerre or Lake Garda?

With museums and food around the undiscovered town of Auxerre, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auxerre, one day is sufficent for most.

In Lake Garda, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This lake 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 Lake Garda?

With food and museums around the destination of Auxerre, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Lake Garda, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake Garda has to offer.


Five days in Auxerre or Lake Garda?

Auxerre, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Lake Garda?

Auxerre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lake Garda. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Auxerre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auxerre is €113, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. 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 Auxerre and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auxerre 51
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auxerre 102
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Auxerre and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Auxerre or Lake Garda? 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.

Hotels in Auxerre


Hotels in Lake Garda


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auxerre 46
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Auxerre or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Auxerre 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Auxerre 34
    Lake Garda 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auxerre 18
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Auxerre.

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
  • Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
  • Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
  • Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
  • Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
  • Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
  • Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
  • From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auxerre 6.14
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auxerre and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Auxerre or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Lake Garda. Most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Auxerre is generally cooler than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 19°C (66°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Lake Garda. The autumn months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

Auxerre is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. It's quite cold in Auxerre in the winter. In the winter, Auxerre is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auxerre in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Auxerre during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Auxerre is generally cooler than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 10°C (50°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Auxerre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Auxerre

Auxerre Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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