A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leuven vs. Auxerre for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leuven or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Leuven 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.

Where Should I go: Leuven or Auxerre?

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a town in France on the Yonne River and in the Yonne department of the Burgundy region. Historically, the town owes its importance to its important position on the river, and also to the once important trade route between the Mediterranean and the North Sea. Auxerre has received the classification of a protected Historic Town in France as well as being one of the French towns of art and history. Auxerre is an interesting place to visit, with the town center towered over by the cathedral and by several churches. The part of the town of most interest to visitors occupies the hill that runs up from the west bank of the river, and includes the major churches and the historical old town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Leuven?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, 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 Leuven and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Leuven 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 Leuven


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: Leuven Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Auxerre 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $280
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport - Maastricht MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $279
  • Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Van: $273
  • Transfer Brussels Airport <-> Namur MB V Class 1-7 PAX (ONE WAY): $240
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $221
  • Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen City by Luxury Van: $216
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201
  • Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $190
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $185
  • Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen by Business Car: $177
  • Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Leuven 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
    Leuven 49
    Auxerre 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.

  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
  • Mechelen Food Tour: $82
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Auxerre 18

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
  • Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Auxerre, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Auxerre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Auxerre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auxerre 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Auxerre.

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


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Auxerre?

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

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 Leuven or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leuven is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Auxerre averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Auxerre. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Auxerre. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leuven usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Auxerre. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Leuven is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Auxerre. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Leuven

Leuven Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)