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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around 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 historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Bordeaux and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is well known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Mont-Saint-Michel is well known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

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

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

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

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

Bordeaux is very good for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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

Bordeaux and Mont-Saint-Michel are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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

Is Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bordeaux has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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

Bordeaux and Mont-Saint-Michel both are great when exploring on foot.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

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

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

How long in Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bordeaux than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bordeaux, there's plenty to do. 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 Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the romantic city of Bordeaux, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 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 Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and food around the elegant destination of Bordeaux, there's plenty to do. If you have five days, this city 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 Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bordeaux is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This city 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.

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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

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

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

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3750 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Bordeaux is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°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 Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Bordeaux is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Bordeaux 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, Bordeaux is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

Bordeaux is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 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 Bordeaux