A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Lille for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Montpellier or Lille?

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 Lille. 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 friendly, historic, and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Montpellier and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Lille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Montpellier than Lille. While Lille is larger than Montpellier, Montpellier has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Montpellier is more popular for its museums & sights, beaches, and historical sights, while Lille is known for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Montpellier different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier is notable for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille 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 Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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 Lille Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is notable for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. 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.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is very popular for its old town. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

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

Is Montpellier or Lille Better for Families?

Montpellier is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Montpellier or Lille Better for Couples?

Montpellier is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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

Lille is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Montpellier or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Lille is a good city to visit for backpackers. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Is Montpellier or Lille Better for Students?

Montpellier is very popular for students. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Lille. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Montpellier and Lille.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Visitors to Lille can move around easily with public transportation. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Montpellier or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille 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 Lille on foot is easy. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored 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 Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Lille?

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

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

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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 cultural city of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Lille?

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 friendly destination of Lille. 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.

Five days in Montpellier or Lille?

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 historic city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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 nightlife and food when visiting Lille. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

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 Lille, 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 Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Lille, 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 Lille?

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 Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Lille. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Lille. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Montpellier is a little warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Lille. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. In the winter, Montpellier is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Montpellier or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Montpellier during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty.

In April, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Lille. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Montpellier