A Travel Price Comparison for France Nice vs. Montpellier for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Nice or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier 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 glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nice and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice than Montpellier, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Montpellier is known for its museums and historical sights. Nice is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Nice different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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 Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

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 Nice or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

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 Nice or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. 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.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Both Nice and Montpellier are considered to be very good beach destinations.

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. 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.

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.

Is Nice or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Montpellier is one of the most recognized in 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 are many historical things to see 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Montpellier?

Both Nice and Montpellier are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Nice or Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Nice and Montpellier are good to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Montpellier is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Montpellier is a great seaside destination 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 Nice or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. 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.

Is Nice or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is renowned for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a very popular city 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Nice and Montpellier offer very good public transit options.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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.

Is Nice or Montpellier a more walkable city?

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

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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Nice?

How long in Nice or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nice and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than in Montpellier. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

Families should spend more time in Nice than Montpellier. 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 Montpellier. 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 Montpellier than Nice 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 Nice or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful seaside destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Montpellier. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the trendy destination of Nice. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamourous seaside destination of Nice. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Montpellier. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The friendly city of Montpellier offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Nice and Montpellier, we can see that Nice 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 Nice Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nice or Montpellier?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Montpellier. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

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

Should I visit Nice or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nice as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montpellier. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nice is a little warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

Should I visit Nice or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Nice during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Nice