A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Toulon 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 Toulon and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Toulon and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
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


Is there more to do in Toulon or Montpellier?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Montpellier than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Montpellier, Montpellier has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Montpellier is better known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Montpellier is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Toulon
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known 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.

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.

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 Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulon
Montpellier

Dining out at restaurants in both Toulon and Montpellier 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.

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.

Is Toulon or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Toulon
Montpellier

Both Toulon and Montpellier are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Toulon. 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.

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.

Is Toulon or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon
Montpellier

Toulon is a port city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Toulon or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Toulon
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

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.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Is Toulon or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Toulon
Montpellier

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

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.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Montpellier?

Toulon
Montpellier

Both Toulon and Montpellier are high quality shopping destinations.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

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


Is Toulon or Montpellier Better for Families?

Toulon
Montpellier

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Montpellier.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Montpellier is a family-friendly port city. 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 Toulon or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Toulon
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

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

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 Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. 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.


Is Toulon or Montpellier Better for Students?

Toulon
Montpellier

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for students. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Toulon
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montpellier is fairly effecient and thorough. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Toulon or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Toulon
Montpellier

Toulon and Montpellier both are high quality 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable port 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 Toulon Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Montpellier?

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

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Toulon. 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 Toulon. 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulon 1-2 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Toulon or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the off-the-beaten-path port city of Toulon. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the industrial destination of Toulon. This port 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.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Montpellier?

The authentic port city of Toulon offers shopping 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Montpellier?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Toulon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulon is €119, 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 Toulon and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulon 79
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulon 158
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Toulon and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Toulon 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 Toulon


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: Toulon Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulon 7.14
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Toulon:

  • Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels: $118
  • Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille Provence Airport: $118

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Arrival Transfer Montpellier Airport MPL to Montpellier City by Private Vehicle: $23
  • Departure Transfer Montpellier to Montpellier Airport MPL by Private Vehicle: $23
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $50
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $65
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $75
  • Arrival Transfer Montpellier Airport MPL to Cap d'Agde by Private Vehicle: $110
  • Departure Transfer Cap d'Agde to Montpellier Airport MPL by Private Vehicle: $112
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $133
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulon or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Toulon 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
    Toulon 30
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Toulon.

  • Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour: $103
  • Toulon Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $105

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: $92
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $94
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $98
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $109
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $434

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulon 13
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Toulon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Toulon are as follows:

  • Little Train Ticket: $9.77
  • Provence Abbey of Thoronet Entrance Ticket: $9.91
  • Guided Tour in Port & Old City: $55
  • Private Heritage Walking Tour in Toulon: $180
  • Toulon Private Tour: $282

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: $17
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $39
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $65
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $76
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $81
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $87
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $96
  • Winetour and homemade food experience in Pic St Loup: $99
  • private group tour from Montpellier: $138
  • Photoshoot Experience: $163
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulon 14
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toulon:

  • Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French): $13
  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Ramatuelle + wine tasting: $98
  • Porquerolles Island and Carmignac Museum of Art with wine tasting: $275

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: $81
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $85
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $85
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $157
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $162
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $243
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $358


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


Which is Bigger, Toulon or Montpellier?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 24°C (75°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulon 24°C (75°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Toulon or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Montpellier. Most visitors come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°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 Montpellier. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulon 16°C (61°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Toulon or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the winter, Toulon is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulon 7°C (44°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Toulon or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulon 13°C (56°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Toulon

Toulon Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)