A Travel Price Comparison for France Auxerre vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Auxerre and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mont-Saint-Michel. Although Auxerre and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Mont-Saint-Michel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its nightlife and small town charm. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. It is also home to . Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island 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, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Auxerre and Mont-Saint-Michel can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Auxerre is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

Auxerre is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Auxerre is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for hiking. However, Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.


Is Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

Auxerre is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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

Is Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Mont-Saint-Michel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

Auxerre and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Auxerre
Mont-Saint-Michel

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.


  • How many days in Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Auxerre 1-2 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and museums around the destination of Auxerre, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This island 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and food around the under-rated town of Auxerre, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Auxerre. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Auxerre is a popular choice for travelers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auxerre 51
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auxerre 102
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in Auxerre and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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 and Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auxerre 46
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

Is it cheaper to fly into Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auxerre 18
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

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

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $91
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $43
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $260
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $271
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $271
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $223

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auxerre 6.14
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86

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: $84
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $271


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


Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Auxerre has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

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

In July, Auxerre is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 19°C (66°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auxerre this time of the year. In the summer, Auxerre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Auxerre is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Auxerre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Auxerre usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Auxerre during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. In the winter, Auxerre is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auxerre in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mont-Saint-Michel. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Auxerre is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 10°C (50°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Auxerre usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Auxerre

Auxerre Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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