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

Should you visit Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Calais and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Calais. Although Calais and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Calais has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Calais is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Calais and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Both Calais and Mont-Saint-Michel offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Calais area. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

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

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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

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

Calais is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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

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

Calais is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Calais offers some nice shopping areas. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

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

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

Calais 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 Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

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 Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais 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 Calais and Mont-Saint-Michel.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

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

How long in Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Calais, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. 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 Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Calais, 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 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 Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal destination of Calais. 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 Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Calais is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

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

Calais has a larger population, and is about 930 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

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

In July, Calais is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°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 Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Calais is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

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

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Calais is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In April, Calais is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mont-Saint-Michel. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 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 Calais