A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Southampton vs. Auxerre for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Southampton or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Southampton 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Southampton and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Southampton or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Southampton. Although Southampton and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Southampton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Southampton is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its small town charm. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports. It is also home to the SeaCity Museum. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Southampton different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Southampton
Auxerre

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Auxerre.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Auxerre. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


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

Southampton
Auxerre

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Auxerre can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Auxerre area. 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 Southampton or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Southampton
Auxerre

Southampton 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 Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

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 the Shopping Better in Southampton or Auxerre?

Southampton
Auxerre

Southampton is very good for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Southampton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Southampton or Auxerre Better for Families?

Southampton
Auxerre

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Auxerre.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

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 Southampton or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Southampton
Auxerre

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

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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

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

Southampton
Auxerre

Auxerre is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.


Is Southampton or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Southampton
Auxerre

Southampton and Auxerre are good when it comes to walkability.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

Auxerre is a somewhat walkable port city. 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 Southampton Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Auxerre?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auxerre than Southampton 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 Auxerre.


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

One day in Southampton or Auxerre?

In Southampton, you'll find nightlife and food. This port 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 under-rated 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 Southampton or Auxerre?

In Southampton, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Southampton has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the authentic 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 Southampton or Auxerre?

Southampton 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.

The undiscovered 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 Southampton or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. 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 from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Southampton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, 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 Southampton and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Southampton £85
    Auxerre £44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Southampton £170
    Auxerre £88
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Southampton 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 Southampton


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: Southampton Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Southampton £8.70
    Auxerre £39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • London to Southampton Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $651
  • From Cruise Terminal to London transfer: $650
  • Private Transfer From Southampton Port to London: $575
  • Private Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminal to Heathrow: $562
  • Private Transfer to London Hotels and Airports: $437
  • Southampton Cruise Port to London or LHR Private Transfer: $357
  • Southampton Port to Gatwick Airport I Private Transfer: $300
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private Transfer: $300
  • London to Southampton Port | Private Transfer: $300
  • Private Transfer from Southampton Port to Heathrow Airport : $293
  • "Private Group Transfer: Southampton Port to London.": $290
  • Southampton Cruise Terminals to London in a Private Minivan Arrival Transfer : $289

Is it cheaper to fly into Southampton or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Southampton 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
    Southampton £37
    Auxerre £29
Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    £4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Southampton £19
    Auxerre £15

Tours and Activities in Southampton

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

  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • Heritage and Majesty: Private Full-Day Tour from Southampton: $1,997
  • Heritage of the Titanic: Southampton Private Walking Tour: $484
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
  • Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153

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
    Southampton £21
    Auxerre £5.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47

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


Which is Bigger, Southampton or Auxerre?

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

Both Auxerre and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Auxerre averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Auxerre. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Southampton 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
    Southampton 18°C (64°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Auxerre. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Southampton 12°C (53°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Auxerre. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. Southampton is a little warmer than Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Southampton 4°C (40°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Southampton or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Auxerre. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Southampton is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Auxerre. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Southampton 9°C (48°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Southampton

Southampton Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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