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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Carcassonne and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mont-Saint-Michel. Although Carcassonne and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Mont-Saint-Michel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Carcassonne and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. It is also well known for . Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a good area for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel doesn't offer many options. Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

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

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

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

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

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Carcassonne and Mont-Saint-Michel.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. In our opinion, Carcassonne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne than Mont-Saint-Michel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Carcassonne, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and museums around the destination of Carcassonne, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and food around the fairytale town of Carcassonne, 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Carcassonne. 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.

The religious island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Carcassonne is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

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

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 620 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Carcassonne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In Mont-Saint-Michel, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Carcassonne is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

Carcassonne is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the spring, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 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 Carcassonne