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

Should you visit Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Giverny 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.

Giverny

Giverny is a inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of Giverny is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and museums. See Giverny travel costs.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. Many visitors also come to Mont-Saint-Michel because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Mont-Saint-Michel travel costs.

Giverny and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Giverny than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Giverny is better known for its nightlife and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking. Giverny is well known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Also, Giverny is famous for The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Mont-Saint-Michel is well known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

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

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

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its historical sights. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Mont-Saint-Michel are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.


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

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Giverny and Mont-Saint-Michel can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Giverny has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Mont-Saint-Michel area. 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 Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Giverny is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Giverny is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's generally considered a daytime destination so you won't find much nightlife here.

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

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

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for hiking. However, Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile (6.5k) out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.


Is Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel More Beautiful?

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Giverny and Mont-Saint-Michel are somewhat similar when it comes to the world-class scenery.

Many visitors also come to Giverny because of it's amazing beauty. The gardens served as inspiration for Claude Monet's famous water lily series, and the beauty is best appreciated moving at your own pace.

You'll find world class beauty in Mont-Saint-Michel as well. It's a beautiful but touristy destination on a tidal island in Normandy. The highlight is the dramatic abbey that has attracted tourists and visitors for centuries.

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

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Neither Giverny nor Mont-Saint-Michel are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Giverny is not always the best place to visit. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.


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

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

For backpackers, both Giverny and Mont-Saint-Michel are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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

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

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Giverny and Mont-Saint-Michel both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Giverny
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very easy island to get around on foot. Not only is the walk through the town and castle stunning, there are also many beautiful walks in the natural areas nearby.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).


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

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

How long in Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. In our opinion, Mont-Saint-Michel has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Giverny. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Giverny 1-2 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and food around the inspiring town of Giverny, 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.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer.

Five days in Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene destination of Giverny. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Giverny 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Giverny?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Giverny Prices
    France Prices
    Mont-Saint-Michel Prices
    France Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Giverny 151
    Mont-Saint-Michel 156

The average daily cost (per person) in Giverny is €151, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Giverny and Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Giverny


Hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel


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: Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Giverny

Also for Giverny, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tourist transfert with stops from Caen to Mont Saint Michel: $389
  • Tourist transfert with stops from Mont Saint Michel to Caen: $389

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Giverny 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
    Giverny 60
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $38
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $60
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $63
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Giverny Gems: Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $191
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $271
  • Private Guided Walking Tour with Monet's House: $272
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $279
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $326

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Guided Tour of Mont Saint Michel: $61
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Mont Saint Michel: $200
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $19
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Entrance ticket to the Normandy Victory Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $277
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $199
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $278
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $278

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86


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


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

Giverny has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Giverny 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 Giverny 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 Giverny or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Giverny this time of the year. In the summer, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Giverny 20°C (68°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere 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, Giverny is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Giverny in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Giverny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Giverny usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Giverny during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Giverny is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 5°C (40°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

Giverny is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Giverny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Giverny usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Giverny

Giverny Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


Related Articles for Giverny
Related Articles for Mont-Saint-Michel