A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Ventimiglia for Old Town, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Montpellier or Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a authentic, elegant, and scenic seaside town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Montpellier and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Montpellier or Ventimiglia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Ventimiglia are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Montpellier is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Montpellier different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Montpellier is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia is an experience not to be missed. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Montpellier is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

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 Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Montpellier or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Montpellier is a great destination for the beach. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.


Is Montpellier or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Ventimiglia?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ventimiglia and Montpellier.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Montpellier or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Both Montpellier and Ventimiglia are nice 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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.


Is Montpellier or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Montpellier and Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Montpellier or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Montpellier is a great destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Montpellier or Ventimiglia Better for Students?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.


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

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

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

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Ventimiglia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Montpellier or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Montpellier
Ventimiglia

Montpellier and Ventimiglia both are superb 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.

Ventimiglia is very walkable. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Ventimiglia?

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

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Montpellier 1-3 
    Ventimiglia 1-2

One day in Montpellier or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly 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.

Ventimiglia is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Montpellier or Ventimiglia?

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.

Ventimiglia might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This seaside 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 Ventimiglia?

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.

Because Ventimiglia is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Ventimiglia?

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.

Since Ventimiglia is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia is €121. 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 Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier 69
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier 138
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Montpellier and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Montpellier or Ventimiglia? 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 Ventimiglia


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 Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier 26
    Ventimiglia 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier Airport to City centre: $74
  • 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: $130
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia 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
    Ventimiglia 38

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: $82
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $92
  • Cooking workshop: $105
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $426

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ventimiglia

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

  • Cooking Class Pesto Sauce: $75
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $86
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $95
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $140
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montpellier 12
    Ventimiglia 27

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: $85
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $175

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

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

  • Art studio tour in Italian sculpture gardens: $34
  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $76
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $92
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $109
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo: $114
  • sculpting art experience in Italy,class in sculpture gardens: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montpellier 15
    Ventimiglia 7.19

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: $239
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $352


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


Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Ventimiglia?

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

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 Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Ventimiglia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Ventimiglia. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F) 
    Ventimiglia 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

Both Ventimiglia and Montpellier during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ventimiglia. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ventimiglia. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F) 
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Ventimiglia. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Montpellier is generally cooler than Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F) 
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Ventimiglia. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Ventimiglia. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Ventimiglia. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F) 
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Montpellier

Montpellier Ventimiglia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)