A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a quaint, idyllic, and peaceful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include food and theater.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Montpellier are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montpellier is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Montpellier is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Montpellier is not a theatre destination.

Stratford-upon-Avon is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Montpellier is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Montpellier can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Montpellier area. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a very popular place for the beache. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Montpellier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montpellier is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

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

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. Most people visit for the theater. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town 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.

Many people visit Montpellier for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

Because Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

The beautiful destination of Montpellier offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the theater. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Montpellier, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Montpellier. The winter months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

The weather in Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold. Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Stratford-upon-Avon