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

Should you visit Montpellier or Avignon?

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 Avignon. 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 vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Avignon

Avignon is a quaint, charming, and scenic town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Montpellier and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Avignon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier than Avignon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montpellier is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avignon attracts visitors for its museums, food, and small town charm. Avignon is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Montpellier different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Avignon on the map. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Avignon 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 Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity 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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Montpellier. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Montpellier or Avignon Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a very popular place for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Montpellier and Avignon.

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 Avignon can be explored in its historical center. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Avignon?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Montpellier or Avignon Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Avignon are nice family-friendly destinations.

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.

Avignon offers lots of family activities. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Montpellier or Avignon Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Avignon both excellent 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.

Avignon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Montpellier or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Montpellier or Avignon Better for Students?

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

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Montpellier or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Avignon on foot is easy. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Montpellier or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Montpellier than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Avignon. 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 Avignon 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 Avignon?

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Avignon?

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Avignon?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Because Avignon 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 Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Avignon?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Avignon. The summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the summer, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Avignon. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

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

Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. It's quite rainy in Montpellier. In October, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Avignon. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Montpellier during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Avignon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Avignon. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Avignon. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as Avignon. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Montpellier