A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Auxerre for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Auxerre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Orkney Islands and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Auxerre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Orkney Islands and Auxerre are popular destinations, Orkney Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orkney Islands is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its nightlife and small town charm. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also well known for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Orkney Islands different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Auxerre?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Auxerre and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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 Orkney Islands or Auxerre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

Orkney Islands is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

Auxerre is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

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

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Auxerre Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Auxerre Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Auxerre.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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 Orkney Islands or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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


Is Orkney Islands or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

Orkney Islands and Auxerre both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Auxerre

Auxerre is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Auxerre is a somewhat walkable town. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Orkney Islands or Auxerre?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Auxerre?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Auxerre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Auxerre?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Orkney Islands or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the town of Auxerre. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Orkney Islands?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orkney Islands is £128, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is £97. 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 Orkney Islands and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Auxerre £44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Auxerre £88
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands


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.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Auxerre £39

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Orkney Islands 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
    Orkney Islands £34
    Auxerre £29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Auxerre £15

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

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

  • From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour: $275
  • Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall : $246

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
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Auxerre £5.26

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 Orkney Islands and Auxerre, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Auxerre Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, 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.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Auxerre in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Auxerre. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Auxerre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Auxerre averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Auxerre. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Auxerre. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally a little warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Auxerre. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town charm during these months.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Auxerre in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Auxerre. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)