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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Geneva and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also well known for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. 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.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

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

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

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

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

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

Many people head to Geneva to see the old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

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

Geneva is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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

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

Geneva 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 Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

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

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

Geneva is very popular with students. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is a world-class 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Geneva can get you around easily. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Geneva and Mont-Saint-Michel both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Geneva 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 Geneva, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

One day in Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Geneva, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Geneva, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the classy big city of Geneva. 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 Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Geneva is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 breathtaking 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

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

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 2300 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Geneva is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Geneva is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

Geneva can be very cold during winter. Geneva is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the spring, Geneva is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 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 Geneva