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

Should you visit Kinsale or Montpellier?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Montpellier can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Kinsale and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Kinsale or Montpellier?

Both Montpellier and Kinsale have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Kinsale is more popular for its food, hiking, and small town charm, while Montpellier is known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Kinsale is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Kinsale different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.


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

Kinsale
Montpellier

Kinsale is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Kinsale, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for the beache. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for the beach.

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. 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.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.


Is Kinsale or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its historic old town charm.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Kinsale or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Kinsale is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale offers some nice hiking trails. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Montpellier?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.


Is Kinsale or Montpellier Better for Families?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Both Kinsale and Montpellier are good to visit with kids.

Kinsale offers lots of family activities. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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.

Is Kinsale or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Montpellier is a great city 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.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Kinsale or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.


Is Kinsale or Montpellier Better for Students?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a very popular city for students. 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.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Kinsale
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.


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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Montpellier?

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

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Kinsale. 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 Kinsale. 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kinsale 1-2 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Kinsale or Montpellier?

Kinsale is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city 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 Kinsale or Montpellier?

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This seaside 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.

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Kinsale or Montpellier?

Because Kinsale is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Kinsale or Montpellier?

Since Kinsale is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Kinsale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kinsale is €129, 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 Kinsale and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kinsale 74
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kinsale 148
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Kinsale and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Kinsale 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 Kinsale


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: Kinsale Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kinsale 17
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kinsale or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Kinsale 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
    Kinsale 46
    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.
    Kinsale 5.00
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

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

  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27
  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $43

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
    Kinsale 16
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

Also in Kinsale, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147

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 Kinsale and Montpellier, we can see that Kinsale 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 Kinsale Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Montpellier in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Kinsale is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kinsale in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the summer, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Kinsale or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kinsale is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Kinsale usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Kinsale or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Kinsale during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kinsale in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kinsale is around the same temperature as Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. Kinsale usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kinsale is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kinsale in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kinsale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Kinsale

Kinsale Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)