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

Should you visit Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a inspiring, iconic, and religious island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Lille and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lille than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Lille and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Also, Lille is famous for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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

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

Lille is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lille. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

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

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

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

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

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

Most people don't think of either Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel as a family destination.

Lille is not the most family-friendly destination. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Mont-Saint-Michel has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Lille is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

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

Both Lille and Mont-Saint-Michel are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good city to visit for backpackers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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

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

Lille is very popular with students. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a great 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.

Lille has some very good public transit options. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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

Lille is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Lille on foot is easy. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Lille.

One day in Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lille, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, many people enjoy the food and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and shopping around the culinary city of Lille, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lille and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Lille much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lille would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lille 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 Lille.

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

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

Lille has a larger population, and is about 3750 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Lille 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 Lille 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 Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Lille is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Lille as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the autumn, Lille is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lille 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 Lille or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. In January, Lille is generally much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Lille during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty.

Lille is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mont-Saint-Michel. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Lille