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

Should you visit Montpellier or Varenna?

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 Varenna. 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 vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Montpellier and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Varenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Varenna are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montpellier is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Varenna is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. 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 Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Varenna 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 Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Montpellier. 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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Montpellier or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Montpellier or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna 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 Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Varenna?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Montpellier or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Varenna are good 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.

Varenna offers lots of family activities. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Montpellier or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time 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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Montpellier or Varenna Better for Students?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit 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.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Montpellier or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna 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 Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best 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 Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Varenna?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Varenna 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 Varenna?

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 shopping when visiting the scenic village of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Varenna?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Varenna. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This village 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 Varenna?

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 beautiful village of Varenna offers museums and food. 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 Varenna?

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 food and shopping when visiting Varenna. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Varenna, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Varenna?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Varenna. The summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In July, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Varenna. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. It's quite rainy in Montpellier. In October, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Varenna. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Montpellier during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Montpellier is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Varenna. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Varenna. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Varenna. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Varenna. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Montpellier