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

Should you visit Le Mans or Auxerre?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Le Mans and Auxerre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Le Mans and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 Le Mans or Auxerre?

Both Auxerre and Le Mans have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Le Mans is better known for its nightlife, while Auxerre is more popular for its food. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races. Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Le Mans different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Le Mans or Auxerre?

Le Mans
Auxerre

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Le Mans or Auxerre.

Le Mans is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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.


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

Le Mans
Auxerre

Auxerre is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Auxerre. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Le Mans or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Le Mans
Auxerre

Le Mans 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 Le Mans has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

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 Le Mans or Auxerre Better for Families?

Le Mans
Auxerre

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Le Mans or Auxerre.

Le Mans offers lots of family activities. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

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 Le Mans or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Le Mans
Auxerre

Both Le Mans and Auxerre are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

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 Le Mans or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Le Mans
Auxerre

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

Le Mans is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

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

Le Mans
Auxerre

Le Mans and Auxerre both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Le Mans offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

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


Is Le Mans or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Le Mans
Auxerre

Le Mans and Auxerre are notable when it comes to walkability.

Le Mans is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

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 Le Mans Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Auxerre?

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

Families should spend more time in Auxerre than Le Mans. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Le Mans 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 Le Mans.


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

One day in Le Mans or Auxerre?

In Le Mans, you'll find nightlife 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 Le Mans or Auxerre?

In Le Mans, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Auxerre?

Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Le Mans. 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 Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Le Mans?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Le Mans is €83, 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 Le Mans and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Le Mans 37
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Le Mans 74
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Le Mans and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Le Mans 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 Le Mans


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: Le Mans Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Le Mans 30
    Auxerre 46

Is it cheaper to fly into Le Mans or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Le Mans 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
    Le Mans 27
    Auxerre 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Le Mans 15
    Auxerre 18

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
    Le Mans 12
    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: $272


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Le Mans and Auxerre, we can see that Auxerre is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Auxerre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auxerre than you might in Le Mans.

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


Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Auxerre?

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

Both Auxerre and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Auxerre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Le Mans. Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Le Mans or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Le Mans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere.

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

In the autumn, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Le Mans gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in October than Auxerre. Le Mans gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Le Mans or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Auxerre. Many travelers come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Auxerre can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Le Mans. In the winter, Le Mans is much warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Le Mans in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Auxerre averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Le Mans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during winter. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Le Mans usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Le Mans or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Auxerre. Many visitors come to Le Mans in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town charm during these months.

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

In the spring, Le Mans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Le Mans

Le Mans Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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