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

Should you visit Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Biarritz and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums & sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Biarritz and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Mont-Saint-Michel are world-renowned. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Biarritz know how to have a good time. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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

Is Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

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

Biarritz is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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

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

Biarritz is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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

Biarritz is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Biarritz and Mont-Saint-Michel.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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

Biarritz and Mont-Saint-Michel are great when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

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

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

How long in Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Biarritz. 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 Biarritz than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Biarritz.

One day in Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Biarritz, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

The beautiful island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and shopping around the dynamic seaside town of Biarritz, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Biarritz, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Biarritz and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel than you might in Biarritz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Biarritz Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

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

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Biarritz or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Biarritz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Mont-Saint-Michel, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Biarritz. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Biarritz is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Biarritz is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 8°C (47°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

Biarritz is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Biarritz