A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auxerre vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Auxerre or Varenna?

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 Varenna 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.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Auxerre and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auxerre or Varenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Varenna. Although Auxerre and Varenna are both popular with visitors, Varenna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Varenna is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its small town charm. Varenna is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. It is also home to Lake Como. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

Lake Como

How is Auxerre different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Varenna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Varenna is an amazing village 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.

Varenna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is decent in both Auxerre and Varenna.

Auxerre doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Most people don't head to Varenna specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Auxerre or Varenna Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Varenna?

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

Varenna has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Varenna Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Auxerre or Varenna.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Varenna is a family-friendly place to visit. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Auxerre or Varenna Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Varenna has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time 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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Varenna is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

Auxerre and Varenna 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.

Varenna has a few public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Auxerre or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is an amazing village to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Varenna is a very easy village to get around on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored 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 Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Varenna?

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

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

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

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

One day in Auxerre or Varenna?

In Auxerre, you'll find food and 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.

In Varenna, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This village 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 Varenna?

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre has to offer.

In Varenna, 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. 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 Varenna has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Varenna?

Auxerre 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.

Varenna is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. 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 Varenna. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Varenna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Varenna?

Auxerre has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Varenna. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Auxerre is generally cooler than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 19°C (66°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auxerre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during summer. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Varenna. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auxerre or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Varenna. Most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Auxerre is cooler than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Auxerre usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. In the winter, Auxerre is much colder than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auxerre in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during winter. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Varenna. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auxerre or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Auxerre during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Auxerre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auxerre usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Auxerre