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

Should you visit Montpellier or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Montpellier and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Carcassonne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montpellier is better known for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is more popular for its food and small town charm. Carcassonne is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Montpellier different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Montpellier or Carcassonne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is an experience not to be missed. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Montpellier or Carcassonne Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Carcassonne?

Montpellier is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Montpellier or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Carcassonne are notable 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.

Carcassonne offers lots of family activities. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Montpellier or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Montpellier is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Montpellier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Montpellier or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Carcassonne are excellent 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.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Is Montpellier or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Montpellier is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Is Montpellier or Carcassonne 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, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Montpellier is fairly effecient and thorough. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Montpellier or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Montpellier or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Montpellier than Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Montpellier. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the fairytale town of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Montpellier. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the historical destination of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

The bustling city of Montpellier offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The medieval town of Carcassonne offers food 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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 comparing the travel costs between Montpellier and Carcassonne, we can see that Montpellier 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 Carcassonne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Carcassonne?

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

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne this time of year.

In the summer, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montpellier in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 15°C (60°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. In October, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Montpellier is cooler than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Carcassonne in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montpellier in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carcassonne. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Montpellier