A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ventimiglia vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a scenic, traditional, and understated seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Ventimiglia and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ventimiglia. Although Ventimiglia and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Ventimiglia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ventimiglia is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums and hiking. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches. It is also home to The Friday Market.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. 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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

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 Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Neither Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ventimiglia. Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

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

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

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

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Ventimiglia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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

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

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

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 Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ventimiglia is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ventimiglia and Mont-Saint-Michel.

You'll find some public transit in Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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

Ventimiglia and Mont-Saint-Michel both are great when exploring on foot.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town 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 Ventimiglia Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. In our opinion, Ventimiglia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia than Mont-Saint-Michel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ventimiglia, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Even though Ventimiglia is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the iconic island of Mont-Saint-Michel. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island 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.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

The breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food 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.

A week in Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ventimiglia is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This seaside town 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

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

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Ventimiglia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ventimiglia is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Ventimiglia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ventimiglia usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ventimiglia gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Ventimiglia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Ventimiglia is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Ventimiglia often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ventimiglia gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ventimiglia gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ventimiglia and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Ventimiglia is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ventimiglia in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Ventimiglia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ventimiglia usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ventimiglia gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Ventimiglia as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Ventimiglia is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 13°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Ventimiglia often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ventimiglia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ventimiglia gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Ventimiglia