A Travel Price Comparison for France Montpellier vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Montpellier and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Food Better in Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Montpellier and Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Montpellier is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Montpellier is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Mont-Saint-Michel both are high quality 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic island of Mont-Saint-Michel. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Montpellier. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The inspiring island of Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 3100 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Montpellier during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Montpellier is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Montpellier is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In April, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Montpellier