A Travel Price Comparison for France Giverny vs. Auxerre for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Giverny or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Giverny 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.

Giverny

Giverny is a picturesque, peaceful, and serene town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Giverny and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Giverny or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Giverny. Although Giverny and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Giverny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Giverny is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its nightlife. Giverny is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. It is also home to The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Giverny different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Giverny
Auxerre

Giverny 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 Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

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 Giverny or Auxerre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Giverny
Auxerre

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Giverny and Auxerre can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Giverny has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Auxerre area. 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 Giverny or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Auxerre

Auxerre is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Auxerre doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Auxerre Better for Families?

Giverny
Auxerre

Auxerre is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.


Is Giverny or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Giverny
Auxerre

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

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

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

Is Giverny or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Auxerre

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

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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

Giverny
Auxerre

Giverny and Auxerre both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

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


Is Giverny or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Giverny
Auxerre

Giverny and Auxerre are good when it comes to walkability.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable place. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

Auxerre is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Giverny Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Giverny or Auxerre to fill your time. In our opinion, Giverny has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Giverny than Auxerre. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Giverny or Auxerre?

In Giverny, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Auxerre, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Giverny or Auxerre?

In Giverny, you'll find museums 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 Giverny has to offer.

In Auxerre, you'll find museums 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 Auxerre has to offer.


Five days in Giverny or Auxerre?

Giverny 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.

Auxerre 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.

A week in Giverny or Auxerre?

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

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Giverny?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Giverny is €125, 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 Giverny and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Giverny 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 Giverny


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: Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Auxerre 46

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Giverny 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
    Giverny 35
    Auxerre 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Auxerre 18

Tours and Activities in Giverny

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

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • From Paris : Half Day GIVERNY on a PRIVATE TOUR: $826
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $293
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $255
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $86

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: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    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: $83
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


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


Which is Bigger, Giverny or Auxerre?

Auxerre has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny 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 Giverny 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 Giverny or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Auxerre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Giverny. Giverny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Giverny or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Giverny during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Giverny is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 13°C (56°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in October than Auxerre. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Auxerre. Many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums 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. Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. Giverny is much warmer than Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Giverny usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Auxerre. Most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Giverny is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Giverny in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Auxerre. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Giverny

Giverny Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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