A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Montpellier or Annecy?

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 Annecy. 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 beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Montpellier and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Montpellier and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier is known for its museums, beaches, and shopping. Annecy is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Montpellier different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy 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 Annecy?

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

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

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

Annecy 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 Annecy, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Annecy has a better nightlife scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Montpellier or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great city for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Montpellier and Annecy.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. 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.

The rich history of Annecy can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Is Montpellier or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Annecy?

Montpellier is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine 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 Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Montpellier or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. 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 Montpellier or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Annecy is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

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.

Is Montpellier or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Montpellier or Annecy Better for Students?

Montpellier is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. 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.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Montpellier or Annecy a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Annecy both are high quality 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.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Montpellier or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy 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 Annecy.

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

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Montpellier. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Annecy 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 Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Annecy 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 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 Annecy?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This alpine 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 Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Annecy 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.

A week in Montpellier or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Since Annecy 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.

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 Annecy, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Annecy?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

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 Montpellier or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Montpellier during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Annecy. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Montpellier is a little warmer than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Annecy. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Annecy. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In the winter, Montpellier is much warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Annecy. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Montpellier