A Travel Price Comparison for France Paris vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paris or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Paris or Montpellier? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Montpellier. Paris is bigger than Montpellier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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.

Is Paris or Montpellier Better for Theater?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Montpellier is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Montpellier is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Montpellier Better for Music?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Montpellier is not a live music destination.

In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is great for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Paris or Montpellier Better for Christmas?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Montpellier does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Montpellier does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Montpellier Better for Families?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Paris or Montpellier Better for Students?

For students, both Paris and Montpellier are amazing places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

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

Paris is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Paris and Montpellier are superb when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Paris?

How long in Paris or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Montpellier. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Montpellier 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is a energetic city where you can fill many days. 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.

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is a beautiful city where you can fill many days. 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.

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Montpellier. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of Montpellier. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Montpellier?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Montpellier. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Paris is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In the winter, Paris is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Montpellier. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Paris