A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a awe-inspiring, epic, and majestic mountain town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and skiing.

Montpellier and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Although Montpellier and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are both popular with visitors, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier is known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. It is also home to Mont Blanc. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

Mont Blanc

How is Montpellier different from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Montpellier. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Montpellier is not a skiing destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Montpellier is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an experience not to be missed. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc know how to have a good time. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for its luxury resorts. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is terrific for its old town. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Hiking?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Families?

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

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Students?

Montpellier is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not popular with students.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc both are excellent 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very walkable. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Montpellier and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Montpellier. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Montpellier. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 skiing and nightlife when visiting the spectacular mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people visit Montpellier for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 nightlife and food when visiting the epic destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

The beautiful destination of Montpellier offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the epic mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One week 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. 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 mountain 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.