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

Should you visit Beaune or Varenna?

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 Varenna. 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 culinary, quaint, and vineyard-filled town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Beaune and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaune or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaune than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaune is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Varenna is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Also, Beaune is famous for The Surrounding Vineyards. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Beaune different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beaune is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Beaune. 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 Varenna. 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 Beaune or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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, Varenna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Is Beaune or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Beaune is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Beaune. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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 Beaune or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Beaune is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Beaune is revered around the world. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaune or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna 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 Varenna. 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.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Varenna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Varenna and Beaune.

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

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

Is Beaune or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Beaune and Varenna are notable 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.

Varenna offers lots of family activities. 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 Beaune or Varenna Better for Couples?

Beaune and Varenna both terrific 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.

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

Is Beaune or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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

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 Varenna 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 Varenna.

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 Varenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Beaune or Varenna a more walkable city?

Beaune and Varenna both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beaune or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beaune than Varenna 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 Varenna.

Families should spend more time in Beaune than Varenna. 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 Varenna. 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 Varenna 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 Varenna.

One day in Beaune or Varenna?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Beaune or Varenna?

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.

Varenna 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna. 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 Varenna?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Varenna. This village 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Beaune and Varenna, we can see that Beaune 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 Varenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beaune or Varenna?

Beaune has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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 Beaune or Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Varenna. The summer months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

Beaune is around the same temperature as Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaune this time of the year. In the summer, Beaune often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Beaune usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaune or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Beaune this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Beaune is cooler than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaune in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Beaune gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Beaune usually receives less rain than Varenna. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beaune or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Beaune during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beaune. In January, Beaune is generally much colder than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 3°C (38°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Beaune gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaune or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Varenna. Many visitors come to Beaune in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

Beaune is cooler than Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Beaune usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during spring. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Beaune usually receives less rain than Varenna. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Beaune