A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Biarritz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Montpellier or Biarritz?

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

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Montpellier and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montpellier is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Montpellier different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Biarritz know how to have a good time. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Montpellier or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great destination for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Montpellier or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Montpellier and Biarritz both offer superb beaches.

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.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Is Montpellier or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Montpellier is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Biarritz?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Biarritz and Montpellier.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Montpellier or Biarritz Better for Families?

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

Biarritz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Biarritz both superb 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.

Biarritz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Montpellier or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Biarritz are superb places to visit 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.

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Montpellier or Biarritz Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Montpellier or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Biarritz both are superb 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.

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Biarritz?

Both Montpellier and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Montpellier. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quirky seaside town of Biarritz. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Biarritz?

Montpellier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This seaside town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Montpellier or Biarritz?

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the dynamic seaside town of Biarritz. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Biarritz?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Biarritz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

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 comparing the travel costs between Montpellier and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montpellier Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Biarritz?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Biarritz. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. It's quite rainy in Montpellier. In October, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Montpellier during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Montpellier is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montpellier usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Biarritz. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Montpellier