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

Should you visit Nantes or Montpellier?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Montpellier, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. With stunning beauty, Nantes attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Nantes travel costs.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, Montpellier attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Montpellier travel costs.

Nantes and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Nantes and Montpellier are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its beaches and historical sights, while Nantes attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Nantes different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Montpellier and Nantes.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Montpellier. 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 Nantes or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes 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 Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Nantes know how to have a good time. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. 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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Montpellier?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Nantes and Montpellier.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Montpellier is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Nantes or Montpellier More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Nantes and Montpellier.

With stunning beauty, Nantes attracts visitors from all around. The beauty of the surrounding countryside merges with the historical sights of the city center. You'll find many parks and gardens as well as impressive architecture and quaint streets.

Montpellier is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With it's long history and beautiful architecture, this is a beautiful town.

Is Nantes or Montpellier Better for Families?

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

Nantes is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Nantes and Montpellier are both great to visit as a couple.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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.

Is Nantes or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Nantes or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Nantes and Montpellier.

The public transit in Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Nantes or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Nantes and Montpellier are great when it comes to walkability.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantes and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Nantes. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nantes, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Nantes. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nantes or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Nantes. 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.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nantes or Montpellier?

The friendly city of Nantes offers shopping 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nantes or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Nantes and Montpellier, 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 Nantes Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Montpellier?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Montpellier, 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 Nantes or Montpellier?

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 Nantes or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Nantes during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is cooler than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nantes. In the summer, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nantes usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantes or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Montpellier. Most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nantes is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Nantes is cooler than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Nantes