A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lastres vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lastres or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Lastres 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.

Where Should I go: Lastres or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Lastres

A city by the sea, Lastres (or Llastres) started out as a small fishing and whaling village accessible only by a dangerous path over cliffs. Today, it is still known as the "beautiful village of Asturias," with breathtaking views of the sea, streets full of historic charm, and a grand chain of mountains just inland. It is the perfect little getaway for someone wanting to bask in the beauty of nature with all the comforts of civilization at hand.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Lastres 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 Lastres or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

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

Lastres is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Lastres averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lastres. Lastres usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Lastres gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lastres usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Lastres gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Lastres during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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, Lastres is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lastres in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Lastres often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Lastres gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Lastres usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lastres gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lastres and Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Lastres is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Lastres average around 9°C (49°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lastres usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Lastres gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lastres gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lastres usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lastres gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Lastres as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

Lastres is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Lastres averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Lastres often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lastres gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Lastres usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lastres gets 92 mm (3.6 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 Lastres