A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Dijon for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Montpellier or Dijon?

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 Dijon. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dijon

Dijon is a culinary, relaxing, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Dijon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dijon than Montpellier. While Montpellier is larger than Dijon, Dijon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dijon is better known for its food and big city activities, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dijon is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. Also, Dijon is famous for The Ducal Palace. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Montpellier different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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

Dijon 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 Dijon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Dijon 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 Dijon has a few options to choose from. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Montpellier or Dijon Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is notable for its beaches. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Dijon?

Montpellier is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Montpellier is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Dijon Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Dijon 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.

Dijon offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Montpellier or Dijon Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Dijon 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.

Dijon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Montpellier or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is notable for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Dijon Better for Students?

Montpellier is terrific for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Montpellier is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Montpellier or Dijon a more walkable city?

Montpellier is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Montpellier or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

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

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the culinary city of Dijon. 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 Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the culinary destination of Dijon. 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 Dijon?

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Montpellier. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The historical city of Dijon 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 Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Montpellier. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dijon. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Dijon, we can see that Dijon 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon 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 Dijon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Dijon?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Dijon. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dijon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montpellier in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Dijon averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Dijon. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Dijon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Dijon. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Dijon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 15°C (60°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Dijon. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Dijon. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Dijon in the Winter?

Both Dijon and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dijon can be very cold during winter. Montpellier is much warmer than Dijon in the winter. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Dijon. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Dijon in the Spring?

Both Dijon and Montpellier during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dijon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montpellier in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Dijon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Dijon. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dijon. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dijon and Montpellier