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

Should you visit Montpellier or Giverny?

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 Giverny. 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. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Giverny

Giverny is a inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Montpellier and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Montpellier or Giverny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Giverny are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montpellier is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Giverny is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Montpellier different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier
Giverny

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

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.

Giverny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.


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

Montpellier
Giverny

Dining out at restaurants in both Montpellier and Giverny 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 Giverny. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Montpellier or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Montpellier or Giverny Better for Beaches?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is great for the beache. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a beach destination.


Is Montpellier or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Giverny?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Montpellier or Giverny Better for Families?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.


Is Montpellier or Giverny Better for Couples?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier and Giverny 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.

Giverny is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Is Montpellier or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Is Montpellier or Giverny Better for Students?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.


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

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Montpellier or Giverny a more walkable city?

Montpellier
Giverny

Montpellier is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Giverny?

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

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Giverny. 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 Giverny. 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 Giverny 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.


  • How many days in Montpellier or Giverny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Montpellier 1-3 
    Giverny 1-2

One day in Montpellier or Giverny?

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the inspiring town of Giverny. 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 Giverny?

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the serene destination of Giverny. 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 Giverny?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The peaceful town of Giverny 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 Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Giverny. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Montpellier?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montpellier is €118, while the average daily cost in Giverny is €125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Montpellier and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier 69
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier 138
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Montpellier and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Montpellier or Giverny? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Montpellier


Hotels in Giverny


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier 26
    Giverny 48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $73
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier Airport to City centre: $73
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Montpellier change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Montpellier 31
    Giverny 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $90
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $92
  • Cooking workshop: $105
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $107
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $426

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montpellier 12
    Giverny 26

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $74
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $426
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $306
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $268
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $85
  • Camargue Winery Tour with Tastings and Picnic: $250
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,054

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $255
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $277
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $293

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montpellier 15
    Giverny 6.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $154
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $351


When comparing the travel costs between Montpellier and Giverny, we can see that Giverny 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 Giverny Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Giverny?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Montpellier during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Giverny. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Giverny. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Montpellier is a little warmer than Giverny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Giverny. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Giverny. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Giverny can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Montpellier is a little warmer than Giverny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Giverny averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in January than Giverny. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Giverny. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Montpellier

Montpellier Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)