A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Calais for Attractions, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Montpellier or Calais?

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 Calais. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Calais?

Both Calais and Montpellier have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais attracts visitors for its big city activities. Montpellier is more touristy than Calais and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Montpellier different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Montpellier and Calais can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Montpellier area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Montpellier or Calais Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Calais 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 Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Montpellier or Calais Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Montpellier or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Calais?

Montpellier is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Montpellier or Calais Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Calais 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Montpellier or Calais Better for Couples?

Montpellier is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Montpellier or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Montpellier or Calais Better for Students?

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Montpellier or Calais a more walkable city?

Montpellier is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Montpellier and Calais. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Montpellier than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Calais. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Calais?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Calais. 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 Calais?

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.

The authentic city of Calais offers shopping and museums. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Calais, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Calais?

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

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais 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 Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Montpellier is a little warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Calais. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Montpellier is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Calais. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Calais in the Winter?

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

Calais can be very cold during winter. In January, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Calais. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Calais in the Spring?

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

Montpellier is a little warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°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 Calais. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Montpellier