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

Should you visit Nantes or Auxerre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Auxerre, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Nantes and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Auxerre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Nantes and Auxerre are popular destinations, Nantes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantes is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Nantes is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Nantes different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes 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 Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Auxerre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Nantes or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Nantes for the nightlife scene. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Auxerre?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nantes or Auxerre Better for Families?

Nantes is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes or Auxerre Better for Couples?

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

Nantes is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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

Is Nantes or Auxerre Better for Students?

Nantes is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Nantes or Auxerre a more walkable city?

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

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Auxerre?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nantes or Auxerre?

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Nantes or Auxerre?

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Auxerre 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.

Five days in Nantes or Auxerre?

Nantes 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.

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

A week in Nantes or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Auxerre?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Nantes 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 Nantes 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 Nantes or Auxerre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Auxerre. Most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auxerre this time of the year. In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Nantes or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Auxerre. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In the autumn, Nantes is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Auxerre averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in October than Auxerre. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Auxerre in the Winter?

Both Auxerre and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. In January, Nantes is generally much warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nantes usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Nantes during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm.

Nantes is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Nantes