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

Should you visit Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beaune and Mont-Saint-Michel. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Beaune

Beaune is a vineyard-filled, cultural, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Beaune and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaune than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaune is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Beaune and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Also, Beaune is famous for The Surrounding Vineyards.

How is Beaune 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 Beaune. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.


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

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

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

Beaune has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

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

Beaune has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

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

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

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

Beaune 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 Beaune is revered around the world. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

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


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

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

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

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

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

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

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

Beaune offers some nice shopping areas. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

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

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

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

Beaune is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beaune. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

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 Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

Beaune and Mont-Saint-Michel both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Beaune is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

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

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

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

You'll find some public transit in Beaune, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

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 Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Beaune
Mont-Saint-Michel

Beaune is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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

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

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

How long in Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beaune than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Beaune, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaune 2-4 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Beaune, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

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

A weekend in Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the vineyard-filled town of Beaune, 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the culinary destination of Beaune. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Beaune is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the religious destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, and The Best Luxury Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Beaune?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaune is €166, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Beaune and Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaune 83
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaune 166
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in Beaune and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Beaune


Hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel


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: Beaune Hotel Prices and Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaune 41
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Beaune 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
    Beaune 54
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44
Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaune 33
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

Here are a few actual costs in Beaune for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $12
  • Small group guided tour - Beaune 2h: $22
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $59
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $60
  • Paris Private Walking Street Art Tour: $87
  • Small group tour Morning in Côte de Beaune: $101
  • Touristic highlights of Strasbourg a Private half day tour with a local: $117
  • Touristic highlights of Semur-en-Auxois a Private half day tour with a local: $117
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $186
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $190

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Audio Tour around Mont Saint-Michele island: $5.43
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Walking Tour in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel: $16
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $43
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $214
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaune 48
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

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

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $43
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $226
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $228
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $239
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $240
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $261
  • Private Burgundy Côte de Beaune Wine Tour Experience from Beaune: $289
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $942
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $942


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


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

Beaune has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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 Beaune 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 Beaune or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beaune for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Beaune is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, 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 Beaune. Beaune usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Beaune usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaune 21°C (70°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Beaune during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beaune in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Beaune is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaune in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Beaune gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mont-Saint-Michel. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaune 13°C (55°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

Beaune can be very cold during winter. In January, Beaune is generally much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 3°C (38°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Beaune gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beaune usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaune 3°C (38°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The spring months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Beaune is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Beaune often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaune 11°C (53°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Beaune

Beaune Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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