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

Should you visit Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Mont-Saint-Michel can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Nice and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nice than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums and hiking. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Mont-Saint-Michel is well known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Nice 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 Nice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Nice is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

People head to Nice just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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

Is Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

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

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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

Nice is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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

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

Nice 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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Both Nice and Mont-Saint-Michel are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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.

Is Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Mont-Saint-Michel are notable destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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

Nice 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.

Nice has some very good public transit options. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Nice is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

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

How long in Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nice than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice 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 Nice.

One day in Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and nightlife around the trendy seaside destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and food around the chic destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this seaside destination makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

You'll find museums and food around the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This seaside destination 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.

The historic island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nice and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Nice.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nice Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

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

Nice has a larger population, and is about 4230 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nice is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Nice as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nice is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Nice gets 108 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 Nice or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In January, Nice is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Nice usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Nice during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

Nice is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Nice