A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Lillehammer for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Montpellier or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Montpellier and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Montpellier or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Lillehammer, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montpellier is better known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie. Lillehammer is well known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Montpellier different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Montpellier or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Montpellier is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Montpellier is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or Lillehammer?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer is an experience not to be missed. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.


Is Montpellier or Lillehammer Better for Beaches?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier is well known for its beaches. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Montpellier is revered around the world. 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Montpellier or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Lillehammer?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Montpellier or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

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

Lillehammer is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier and Lillehammer both great 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.

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.


Is Montpellier or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Montpellier or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.


Is Montpellier or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Montpellier
Lillehammer

Montpellier is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Montpellier or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer? Ideal Length of Stay
    Montpellier 1-3 
    Lillehammer 2-4

One day in Montpellier or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful 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 shopping when visiting the sporty city of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Lillehammer?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the sporty destination of Lillehammer. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lillehammer?

The friendly 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 sporty city of Lillehammer offers museums and skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Lillehammer?

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 skiing and nightlife when visiting Lillehammer. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer is €96. 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 Lillehammer in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier 69
    Lillehammer 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier 138
    Lillehammer 116
Compare Hotels in Montpellier and Lillehammer

Looking for a hotel in Montpellier or Lillehammer? 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 Lillehammer


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 and Lillehammer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier 26
    Lillehammer 3.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Lillehammer?

Prices for flights to both Lillehammer 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
    Lillehammer 32

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: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montpellier 12
    Lillehammer 15

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Tours and Activities in Lillehammer

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

  • Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, Lillehammer. Entry Ticket: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montpellier 15
    Lillehammer 12

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
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Lillehammer, we can see that Montpellier is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Montpellier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montpellier than you might in Lillehammer.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montpellier Expensive? and Is Lillehammer Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Lillehammer?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Lillehammer, 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.