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

Should you visit Beaune or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Beaune travel costs.

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. See Auxerre travel costs.

Beaune and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Beaune or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaune. Although Beaune and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Beaune has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaune is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. It is also home to The Surrounding Vineyards. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Beaune different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beaune
Auxerre

Beaune is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

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 Beaune or Auxerre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaune
Auxerre

Beaune is an amazing town 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.

Beaune has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

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 Beaune or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Beaune
Auxerre

Beaune 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 Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

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 Beaune or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Beaune
Auxerre

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

Beaune offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Auxerre?

Beaune
Auxerre

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

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Beaune or Auxerre Better for Families?

Beaune
Auxerre

Both Beaune and Auxerre are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beaune. 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.

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.

Is Beaune or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Beaune
Auxerre

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

For those traveling as a couple, Beaune has plenty to offer. 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.

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


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

Beaune
Auxerre

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

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 Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Is Beaune or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Beaune
Auxerre

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

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

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 Beaune Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beaune or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beaune than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Beaune, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaune than Auxerre. 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 Beaune 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 Beaune.


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

One day in Beaune or Auxerre?

In Beaune, 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 food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Auxerre. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Beaune or Auxerre?

In Beaune, 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaune has to offer.

Auxerre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Auxerre?

Beaune 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Auxerre. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Beaune?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaune is €206, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is €138. 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 Beaune and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaune 83
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaune 166
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Beaune and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Beaune or Auxerre? 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 Beaune


Hotels in Auxerre


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: Beaune Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaune 41
    Auxerre 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auxerre

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

  • Private transfer CDG Airport from/to Paris: $55
  • Transfer to the Ile de France region from CDG or ORLY Airport: $159
  • Transfert from Paris to Orly Airport: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaune or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Beaune 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
    Beaune 93
    Auxerre 59
Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaune 33
    Auxerre 18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

Here are a few actual costs in Beaune for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beaune - Historic Guided Walking Tour: $396
  • Beaune - Private walking tour: $192
  • Beaune private guided tour with a professional tour guide: $175
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $7.99
  • Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains: $268
  • Dijon/Full day Ebike Burgundy tour, tastings & lunch: $236
  • From: Dijon/Burgundy Region Winery Tour with Lunch: $236
  • Guided tour of Beaune with your professional guide!: $164
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $191
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group full day tour in the Burgundy vineyards: $209
  • Small group tour Morning in Côte de Beaune: $102

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

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

  • Notre Dame Exterior Ile de la Cité Tour and Sainte Chapelle : $87
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $113
  • Discover Paris in 1 Hour: Fun and Efficient 2CV or Traction Tour: $164
  • Paris Picnic experience in front of the Eiffel Tower: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaune 48
    Auxerre 6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

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

  • At the Table with Louis de Funès Expo and Wine Tasting in Beaune: $11
  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Wine tasting and sale: $38
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $227
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $229
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $263
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $948
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $948
  • Authentic Burgundy Wine Tour Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits: $1,200


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


Which is Bigger, Beaune or Auxerre?

Auxerre has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Beaune and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

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 Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Beaune is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beaune in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Auxerre averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, 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 Auxerre. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Auxerre. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaune 21°C (70°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Auxerre. Many visitors come to Beaune in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Beaune is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 13°C (55°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Beaune usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during autumn. Beaune gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaune usually receives around the same amount of rain as Auxerre. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaune 13°C (55°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Auxerre in the Winter?

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

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. Beaune can be very cold during winter. Beaune is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Beaune often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Beaune gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Auxerre. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaune 3°C (38°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre 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 are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In the spring, Beaune is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beaune in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Beaune usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during spring. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaune usually receives around the same amount of rain as Auxerre. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaune 11°C (53°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Beaune

Beaune Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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