A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Auxerre for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Montpellier and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
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 Montpellier or Auxerre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Auxerre are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Montpellier is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Montpellier different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier 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 Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier or Auxerre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Dining out at restaurants in both Montpellier and Auxerre can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Montpellier area. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

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.

Is Montpellier or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier 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 Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in 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 Montpellier or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier is great for the beach. However, Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.


Is Montpellier or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Auxerre?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Montpellier or Auxerre Better for Families?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Both Montpellier and Auxerre are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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.


Is Montpellier or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Montpellier
Auxerre

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

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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

Is Montpellier or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier or Auxerre Better for Students?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Auxerre is not popular with students.


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

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier 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 Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Montpellier or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Montpellier
Auxerre

Montpellier is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. 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 Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Montpellier or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Montpellier 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 Montpellier, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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

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


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

One day in Montpellier or Auxerre?

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the undiscovered town of Auxerre. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Montpellier or Auxerre?

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the undiscovered destination of Auxerre. 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 Montpellier or Auxerre?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The authentic town of Auxerre offers food and museums. 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 Montpellier or Auxerre?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Montpellier?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montpellier is €118, 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 Montpellier and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier 69
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier 138
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Montpellier and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Montpellier 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 Montpellier


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: Montpellier Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier 26
    Auxerre 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $130
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $130
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Montpellier 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
    Montpellier 31
    Auxerre 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

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

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $82
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $92
  • Cooking workshop: $105
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $426

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montpellier 12
    Auxerre 18

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $426
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $306
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $269
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $85
  • Camargue Winery Tour with Tastings and Picnic: $250
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,055

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: $91
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montpellier 15
    Auxerre 6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $239
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $352

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: $271


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


Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Auxerre?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Montpellier during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Montpellier is a little warmer than Auxerre in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Auxerre. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Auxerre. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Montpellier is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Auxerre averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Auxerre. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. In January, Montpellier is generally much warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in January than Auxerre. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

Montpellier is a little warmer than Auxerre in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Montpellier

Montpellier Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)