A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Aix-en-Provence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Montpellier and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier than Aix-en-Provence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie. Aix-en-Provence is famous for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Montpellier different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

Montpellier is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

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 Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Aix-en-Provence is a world class destination for shoppers. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

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

Is Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Montpellier is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Aix-en-Provence both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Aix-en-Provence is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Aix-en-Provence is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Montpellier is terrific for students. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Is Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Aix-en-Provence both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Aix-en-Provence 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.

One day in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

The bustling destination of Montpellier offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back town of Aix-en-Provence. 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.

A weekend in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Five days in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The laid-back town of Aix-en-Provence offers museums and food. 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.

A week in Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Aix-en-Provence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence 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 Montpellier Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Montpellier during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Montpellier often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Aix-en-Provence. The winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In January, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Aix-en-Provence. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the spring, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Montpellier