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

Should you visit Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 iconic, religious, and historic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse. Although Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Toulouse has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toulouse is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse 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 Toulouse. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.


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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Toulouse is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Toulouse has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Toulouse is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Toulouse know how to have a good time. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

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

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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Toulouse is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

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


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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for hiking. However, Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

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

Toulouse is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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

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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Toulouse is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very kid-friendly city. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Toulouse is very good for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Toulouse is popular with students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.


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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

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

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

Toulouse
Mont-Saint-Michel

Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel are superb when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Toulouse than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Toulouse. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel than Toulouse 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.


  • How many days in Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulouse 2-4 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Toulouse, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers museums and food. 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 Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxed city of Toulouse, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Toulouse is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.


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, Mont-Saint-Michel or Toulouse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulouse is €125, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulouse 67
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulouse 134
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Toulouse


Hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel


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: Toulouse Hotel Prices and Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

Also for Toulouse, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $41
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $92
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $87
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $66
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $65
  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $239
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Toulouse 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
    Toulouse 34
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulouse

For Toulouse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $52
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $76
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $104
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulouse 15
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Toulouse.

  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.12
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Toulouse : Walking tour with audio guide: $5.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.34
  • Toulouse Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.50
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.93
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.93
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $16
  • Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Minibus: $17
  • Toulouse Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $43
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $260
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $163
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $273
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulouse

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Toulouse:

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $529


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Toulouse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulouse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulouse 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 Toulouse.

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


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

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 5410 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Toulouse or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulouse this time of the year. In the summer, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulouse is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Toulouse during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the winter, Toulouse is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Mont-Saint-Michel. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

In April, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Toulouse

Toulouse Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)