A Travel Price Comparison for France Saint-Etienne vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Montpellier. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montpellier is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking. Montpellier is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

Montpellier is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montpellier is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Montpellier has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Saint-Etienne and Montpellier.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Montpellier. 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 Saint-Etienne or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

Montpellier is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Montpellier are good family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Saint-Etienne or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Montpellier is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the industrial city of Saint-Etienne. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Montpellier. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the undiscovered destination of Saint-Etienne. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

The undiscovered city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Montpellier. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Montpellier. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the summer, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Montpellier averages at about 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 Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne is much colder than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Saint-Etienne