A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Montpellier for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Interlaken or Montpellier?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Interlaken or Montpellier?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montpellier is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Interlaken different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Montpellier Better for Skiing?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Interlaken is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Montpellier is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Montpellier is not a skiing destination.


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

Interlaken
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken
Montpellier

Interlaken 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 Interlaken is an experience not to be missed. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Montpellier is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Interlaken or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Montpellier is revered around the world. 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Interlaken
Montpellier

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

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Montpellier?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Montpellier Better for Families?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Interlaken or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Montpellier is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.


Is Interlaken or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Montpellier Better for Students?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken
Montpellier

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Interlaken and Montpellier.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.


Is Interlaken or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Interlaken
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Interlaken 2-5 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Interlaken or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adrenaline-filled town of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the stunning destination of Interlaken. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Interlaken or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adventurous town of Interlaken. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Interlaken?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is $126. 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 Interlaken and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Montpellier $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Montpellier $148
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken 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 Interlaken


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Montpellier $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Interlaken 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
    Interlaken $64
    Montpellier $33
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

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.
    Interlaken $104
    Montpellier $13

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Montpellier $16

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Interlaken Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Montpellier, 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 Interlaken or Montpellier?

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 Interlaken or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Interlaken is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Montpellier. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montpellier. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Interlaken

Interlaken Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)