A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Connemara vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Connemara or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Connemara or Montpellier? 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a natural, remote, and dramatic region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Connemara and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Connemara or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Connemara and Montpellier are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Connemara attracts visitors for its food and hiking. Montpellier is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie. Connemara is famous for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Connemara different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montpellier and Connemara. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Connemara or Montpellier?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.


Is the Food Better in Connemara or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Connemara
Montpellier

Connemara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Connemara is an experience not to be missed. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Montpellier. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Connemara
Montpellier

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Connemara and Montpellier are superb choices.

Connemara is considered a top beach destination. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.


Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Connemara
Montpellier

Connemara is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Connemara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Montpellier?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for Families?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Connemara
Montpellier

With fun activities for couples, both Connemara and Montpellier make for a superb place to visit.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Montpellier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.


Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for Students?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is terrific for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Connemara is not popular with students.

Is Connemara or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Connemara or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Connemara
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Connemara Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Connemara and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Connemara. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Connemara, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Connemara. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montpellier that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Connemara 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 Montpellier.


  • How many days in Connemara or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Connemara 2-3 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Connemara or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic region of Connemara. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Montpellier. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Connemara or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the natural destination of Connemara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Connemara or Montpellier?

The scenic region of Connemara offers food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Montpellier. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Connemara or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Connemara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Connemara?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Connemara is €118, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Connemara and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Connemara 53
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Connemara 106
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Connemara and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Connemara or Montpellier? 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 Connemara


Hotels in Montpellier


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: Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Connemara 41
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Connemara or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Connemara 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
    Connemara 37
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Connemara 26
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Connemara 13
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


When comparing the travel costs between Connemara and Montpellier, we can see that Connemara 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 Connemara Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Connemara or Montpellier?

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 Connemara or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Connemara is cooler than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Connemara usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Connemara 16°C (60°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Connemara or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Montpellier. The autumn months attract visitors to Connemara because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the autumn, Connemara is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Connemara in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Connemara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Connemara usually gets more rain in October than Montpellier. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Connemara 11°C (52°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Connemara or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Connemara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Connemara is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 6°C (42°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. In January, Connemara usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Connemara 6°C (42°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Connemara or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Connemara during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Connemara is cooler than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Connemara 9°C (48°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Connemara

Connemara Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)