A Travel Price Comparison for France Beaune vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaune or Annecy?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beaune and Annecy. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Beaune

Beaune is a vineyard-filled, cultural, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Beaune and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaune or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Beaune, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Beaune is more popular for its museums. Annecy is more touristy than Beaune and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

How is Beaune different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beaune is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Beaune specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. 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 Beaune or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Beaune and Annecy.

Eat your way through Beaune, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Is Beaune or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beaune or Annecy has a better nightlife scene.

Beaune has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

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.

Is Beaune or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Beaune and Annecy.

Beaune has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Is Beaune or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Beaune is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Annecy. 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.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Annecy?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Annecy and Beaune.

Beaune offers some nice shopping areas. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

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.

Is Beaune or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very kid-friendly alpine town. 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.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Beaune or Annecy Better for Couples?

Beaune and Annecy both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Beaune is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Is Beaune or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Annecy. 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beaune and Annecy.

You'll find some public transit in Beaune, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Beaune or Annecy a more walkable city?

Beaune is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its ease of walking around.

Beaune is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Beaune or Annecy. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Annecy than Beaune. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Beaune 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 Beaune or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Beaune. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Beaune or Annecy?

Beaune is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Beaune or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaune. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Beaune or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the culinary destination of Beaune. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, and The Best Luxury Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Beaune and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaune or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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 Beaune or Annecy?

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 Beaune or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Beaune during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beaune for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Beaune is around the same temperature as Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beaune. In the summer, Beaune often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaune or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Annecy. Many visitors come to Beaune in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Beaune is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaune in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Beaune usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during autumn. Beaune gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaune usually receives less rain than Annecy. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beaune or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Annecy. Most visitors come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. Beaune can be very cold during winter. In January, Beaune is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 3°C (38°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Beaune gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaune or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

Beaune is around the same temperature as Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Beaune usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during spring. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaune usually receives less rain than Annecy. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Beaune