A Travel Price Comparison for France Biarritz vs. Auxerre for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Biarritz or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Auxerre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

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.

Biarritz and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Biarritz or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Biarritz and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Auxerre is known for its museums. Biarritz is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Biarritz different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Biarritz or Auxerre?

Biarritz
Auxerre

Auxerre is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Auxerre offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.


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

Biarritz
Auxerre

Biarritz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz
Auxerre

Biarritz is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Biarritz for the nightlife scene. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz or Auxerre Better for Resorts?

Biarritz
Auxerre

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Auxerre is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Auxerre is not a resort destination.


Is Biarritz or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Biarritz
Auxerre

Biarritz is great for the beach. However, Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Auxerre?

Biarritz
Auxerre

Biarritz is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Biarritz or Auxerre Better for Families?

Biarritz
Auxerre

Biarritz is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Biarritz or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Biarritz
Auxerre

Biarritz is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Biarritz is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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

Is Biarritz or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz
Auxerre

Biarritz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

Biarritz
Auxerre

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and Auxerre.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Auxerre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town.


Is Biarritz or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Biarritz
Auxerre

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Biarritz or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Biarritz 3-7 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Biarritz or Auxerre?

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Auxerre offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Auxerre?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Auxerre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auxerre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Biarritz or Auxerre?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Auxerre is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Auxerre is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Biarritz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Biarritz is €131, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is €113. 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 Biarritz and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Biarritz 74
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Biarritz 148
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Biarritz and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Biarritz 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 Biarritz


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: Biarritz Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Biarritz 39
    Auxerre 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Biarritz or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Biarritz 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
    Biarritz 34
    Auxerre 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Biarritz 16
    Auxerre 18

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Bayonne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $279
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Biarritz, Bayonne, and Basque Country: Private Driving Tour: $957
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: $187
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • French Basque Country Coastline tour in a 70'sVW Van: $457
  • French Basque Country Private Day Tour in an 70's VW Combi: $599

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

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

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Biarritz 8.05
    Auxerre 6.14

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: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


When comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and Auxerre, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is Auxerre Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Auxerre?

Auxerre has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Auxerre?

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 Biarritz or Auxerre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Auxerre. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Auxerre averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auxerre this time of the year. In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Biarritz or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Auxerre. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Biarritz is generally a little warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Auxerre. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Biarritz or Auxerre in the Winter?

Both Auxerre and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. Biarritz is much warmer than Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Biarritz usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Biarritz or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Biarritz is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Auxerre. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Biarritz

Biarritz Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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