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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Beaune?

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 Carcassonne and Beaune. 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Beaune

Beaune is a culinary, quaint, and vineyard-filled town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne and Beaune: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Beaune?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaune. Although Carcassonne and Beaune are popular destinations, Beaune has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaune is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Beaune is famous for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. It is also well known for The Surrounding Vineyards.

How is Carcassonne different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne
Beaune

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Carcassonne or Beaune.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.


Is the Food Better in Carcassonne or Beaune? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carcassonne
Beaune

Beaune is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Carcassonne or Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Carcassonne
Beaune

Beaune is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne
Beaune

Beaune is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Beaune has a world-famous historical 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.


Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Beaune?

Carcassonne
Beaune

Beaune is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Beaune. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Beaune Better for Families?

Carcassonne
Beaune

Both Carcassonne and Beaune are nice family-friendly destinations.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly town. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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.

Is Carcassonne or Beaune Better for Couples?

Carcassonne
Beaune

Beaune is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Carcassonne or Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne
Beaune

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

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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

Carcassonne
Beaune

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Carcassonne and Beaune.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

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.

Is Carcassonne or Beaune a more walkable city?

Carcassonne
Beaune

Carcassonne and Beaune are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Carcassonne or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beaune due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Carcassonne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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


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

One day in Carcassonne or Beaune?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural town of Beaune. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Beaune?

Carcassonne 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vineyard-filled destination of Beaune. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Beaune?

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

The culinary town of Beaune offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Carcassonne or Beaune?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Beaune. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Beaune or Carcassonne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Carcassonne is €106, while the average daily cost in Beaune is €166. 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 Carcassonne and Beaune in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Carcassonne 61
    Beaune 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Carcassonne 122
    Beaune 166
Compare Hotels in Carcassonne and Beaune

Looking for a hotel in Carcassonne or Beaune? 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 Carcassonne


Hotels in Beaune


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: Carcassonne Hotel Prices and Beaune Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Carcassonne 7.14
    Beaune 41

Is it cheaper to fly into Carcassonne or Beaune?

Prices for flights to both Beaune and Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39
    Beaune 54

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.
    Carcassonne 14
    Beaune 33

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.52
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $50
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $110

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: $401
  • Beaune - Private walking tour: $195
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains: $270
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $60
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $61
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $190
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $193
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group full day tour in the Burgundy vineyards: $212
  • Small group guided tour - Beaune 2h: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Carcassonne 13
    Beaune 48

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $478

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

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

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $22
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $230
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $231
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $242
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $242
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $266
  • Private Burgundy Côte de Beaune Wine Tour Experience from Beaune: $293
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $960
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $960


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carcassonne and Beaune, we can see that Beaune is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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


Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Beaune?

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

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 Carcassonne or Beaune in the Summer?

Both Beaune and Carcassonne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

In the summer, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Beaune. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Beaune averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Beaune, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaune. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Beaune. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F) 
    Beaune 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Beaune in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Beaune. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Carcassonne is generally a little warmer than Beaune. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Beaune. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F) 
    Beaune 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Beaune in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Beaune. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Beaune in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beaune can get quite cold in the winter. Carcassonne is much warmer than Beaune in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Beaune. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Beaune. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F) 
    Beaune 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Beaune in the Spring?

Both Beaune and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Beaune for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Beaune. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Beaune averages at about 11°C (53°F).

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

In April, Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaune. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F) 
    Beaune 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Beaune and Carcassonne

Carcassonne Beaune
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)