A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon. Although Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Toulon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulon is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Toulon different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Is the Food Better in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel can be an enjoyable experience.

Toulon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Toulon is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Toulon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Toulon is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Toulon is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Toulon. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel are nice destinations for backpackers.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel offer nice public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Mont-Saint-Michel has some public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel both are very good when exploring on foot.

Toulon is very walkable. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable port city. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Toulon Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. In our opinion, Toulon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Toulon than Mont-Saint-Michel. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Toulon.

One day in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Toulon, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the industrial port city of Toulon, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the industrial destination of Toulon. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Toulon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulon 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel than you might in Toulon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Toulon Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 3750 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Mont-Saint-Michel. The summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the summer, Toulon is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Toulon is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Toulon is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Toulon is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Toulon