A Travel Price Comparison for France Arles vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Arles and Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Arles and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arles. Although Arles and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Arles has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arles is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Arles and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Arles different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Arles. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Arles on the map. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Is the Food Better in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arles is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Arles is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Arles has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Arles is revered around the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Arles is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Arles offers some nice shopping areas. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel as a family destination.

Arles doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Arles is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mont-Saint-Michel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Arles and Mont-Saint-Michel.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Arles and Mont-Saint-Michel both are very good when exploring on foot.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Arles Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Arles?

How long in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. In our opinion, Arles has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Arles than Mont-Saint-Michel. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Arles. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mont-Saint-Michel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Arles 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

One day in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Arles, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, many people enjoy the food and museums that this iconic destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the charming town of Arles, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the compact destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Arles is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Arles and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Arles Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 670 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Arles and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In July, Arles is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 24°C (75°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arles usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Arles during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Arles is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Arles often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Arles is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arles in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arles or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arles as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Arles is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 13°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In the spring, Arles often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Arles