A Travel Price Comparison for France Caen vs. Auxerre for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Caen and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Auxerre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Caen than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Caen is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Auxerre is more popular for its small town charm. Caen is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge. Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Caen different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen 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 Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen or Auxerre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen 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.

Caen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

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 Caen or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Caen 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 Caen has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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 Caen or Auxerre Better for Families?

Both Caen and Auxerre are notable family-friendly destinations.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Auxerre. 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 Caen or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Caen and Auxerre both notable destinations for a couple.

Caen is a nice destination for couples. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Auxerre makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Caen or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Caen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

The public transit in Caen can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Caen or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Caen and Auxerre are notable when it comes to walkability.

Caen is somewhat walkable. The city center is best explored on foot.

Auxerre is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Caen Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Caen?

How long in Caen or Auxerre?

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

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Auxerre?

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Auxerre. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or Auxerre?

In Caen, you'll find nightlife 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 Caen has to offer.

Auxerre is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Auxerre?

Caen 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.

You'll find museums and food around the authentic destination of Auxerre. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The authentic town of Auxerre offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Auxerre?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Auxerre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Auxerre. Many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auxerre this time of the year. In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Auxerre. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Caen as well as Auxerre. Many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

Caen is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in October than Auxerre. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Auxerre in the Winter?

Both Auxerre and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. Caen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Caen is much warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Auxerre averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Caen usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Auxerre. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Caen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In April, Caen is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Auxerre. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Caen