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

Should you visit Versailles or Auxerre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles 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.

Versailles

Versailles is a beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Versailles and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Versailles or Auxerre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Versailles than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Versailles is better known for its museums and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is more popular for its food, nightlife, and small town charm. Versailles is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Also, Versailles is famous for The Palace of Versailles, including its famous Hall of Mirrors (Galeries des Glaces) and expansive gardens. Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Versailles different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles
Auxerre

Versailles is an amazing palace to visit for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Versailles has many famous sights for visitors. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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 Versailles or Auxerre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Versailles
Auxerre

Auxerre is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Versailles or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Versailles
Auxerre

Auxerre is adequate for nightlife. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Auxerre Better for Families?

Versailles
Auxerre

Auxerre is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.


Is Versailles or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Versailles
Auxerre

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

Versailles is a great palace if you're traveling as a couple. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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

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

Versailles
Auxerre

Versailles 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 Versailles can get you to most places easily. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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

Is Versailles or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Versailles
Auxerre

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

Versailles is a very walkable destination. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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 Versailles Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Versailles or Auxerre to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auxerre than Versailles 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 Versailles or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Versailles 1-2 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Versailles or Auxerre?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This palace offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and food around the authentic town of Auxerre, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auxerre, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Auxerre?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer.

With food and museums around the destination of Auxerre, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Versailles or Auxerre?

Versailles 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.

Auxerre, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Versailles or Auxerre?

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

Auxerre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Versailles?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Versailles is €234, 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 Versailles and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Versailles 128
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Versailles 256
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Versailles and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Versailles 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 Versailles


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: Versailles Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Versailles 53
    Auxerre 46

Is it cheaper to fly into Versailles or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Versailles 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
    Versailles 67
    Auxerre 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Versailles 45
    Auxerre 18

Tours and Activities in Versailles

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

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

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
    Versailles 18
    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 Versailles and Auxerre, we can see that Versailles 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles 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 Versailles Expensive? and Is Auxerre Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Versailles or Auxerre?

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

Both Auxerre and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Auxerre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Versailles 20°C (68°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Versailles or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Versailles during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

Versailles is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Auxerre. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Versailles 13°C (56°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Versailles or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Auxerre. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. In the winter, Versailles is much warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Auxerre averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Versailles usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Versailles 5°C (40°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Versailles or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Auxerre. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Versailles is generally a little warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Auxerre. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Versailles 11°C (52°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Versailles

Versailles Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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