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

Should you visit Lucca or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lucca and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Lucca

Lucca is a quaint, popular, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Lucca and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucca. Although Lucca and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Lucca has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucca is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Lucca and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also home to The Guinigi Tower.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lucca. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

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 Lucca or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Lucca is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Lucca has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

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

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

Lucca is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lucca is revered around the world. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

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

Lucca is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lucca offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

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

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

Lucca is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucca. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. 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 Lucca or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Lucca is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

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

Lucca and Mont-Saint-Michel are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lucca is a good city to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.

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

Lucca and Mont-Saint-Michel both are superb when exploring on foot.

Lucca is a very walkable destination. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Lucca or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

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

One day in Lucca or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Lucca, 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 religious 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 Lucca or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Lucca, 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 Lucca or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Lucca. 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 Lucca or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Lucca 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 religious 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

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

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 1020 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Lucca 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.