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

Should you visit Montpellier or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Montpellier, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bordeaux is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Montpellier is known for its museums, beaches, and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Montpellier different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Montpellier or Bordeaux Better for Beaches?

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

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Montpellier is revered around 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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Bordeaux?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Montpellier or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Bordeaux are good 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Montpellier or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Montpellier or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Montpellier or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Montpellier and Bordeaux.

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.

Visitors to Bordeaux can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Montpellier or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Bordeaux?

In either Montpellier or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Montpellier because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

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 romantic city of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

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 romantic destination of Bordeaux. This city 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 Bordeaux?

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 museums when visiting the romantic city of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Montpellier and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Montpellier during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Bordeaux. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Montpellier