A Travel Price Comparison for France Reims vs. Montpellier for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Reims or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims 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.

Reims

Reims is a cultural, beautiful, and relaxing city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Reims and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Reims or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier than Reims. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights, while Reims attracts visitors for its food. Reims is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. 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 Reims different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Reims
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


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

Reims
Montpellier

Reims 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 Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Reims
Montpellier

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Reims and Montpellier.

Reims has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

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 Reims or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Reims
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for the beach. However, Reims 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.

Reims is not a beach destination.


Is Reims or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Reims
Montpellier

Montpellier is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Montpellier?

Reims
Montpellier

Shopping is a popular activity in both Montpellier and Reims.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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

Is Reims or Montpellier Better for Families?

Reims
Montpellier

Montpellier is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.


Is Reims or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Reims
Montpellier

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

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Reims is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Reims or Montpellier Better for Students?

Reims
Montpellier

Montpellier is very popular for students. However, Reims is not popular with 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.

Reims is not popular with students.


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

Reims
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims 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 Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Reims or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Reims
Montpellier

Reims and Montpellier both are great when exploring on foot.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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 Reims Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Reims?

How long in Reims or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Reims and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Reims, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Reims 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 Reims or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Reims 2-5 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Reims or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Reims. 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.

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly 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 Reims or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Reims. 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.

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 Reims or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural city of Reims. 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 Reims or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Reims?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Reims is €131, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Reims and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reims 66
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reims 132
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Reims and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Reims or Montpellier? 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 Reims


Hotels in Montpellier


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: Reims Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reims 39
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $851
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $226
  • Private transfer from Reims or Epernay to CDG airport or Paris: $217

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier Airport to City centre: $73
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $73
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Reims or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Reims 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
    Reims 40
    Montpellier 31

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: $90
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $92
  • Cooking workshop: $105
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $107
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $426

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reims 19
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Reims

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Reims Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.92
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.92
  • Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims: $9.58
  • Reims UNESCO site: Basilica of Saint-Remi Guided Tour: $9.58
  • Reims Art Deco guided tour: $9.58
  • Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame Guided Tour: $9.76
  • Reims : city-center discovery tour and champagne tasting: $16
  • Discovery tour (2 tastings): $20
  • Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting: $20
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $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: $74
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $79
  • 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: $94
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $106
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reims 22
    Montpellier 15

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
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $154
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $351


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


Which is Bigger, Reims or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Reims 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 Reims 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 Reims or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Reims is cooler than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. Reims usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reims usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reims 19°C (65°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Reims or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Reims during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reims 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, Reims is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reims in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Reims often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reims usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reims 12°C (53°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Reims or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Reims can be very cold during winter. In January, Reims is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 3°C (37°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reims usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reims 3°C (37°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Reims or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Reims as well as Montpellier. The spring months attract visitors to Reims because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Reims is cooler than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 9°C (49°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the spring, Reims often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Reims 9°C (49°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Reims

Reims Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)