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

Should you visit Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a inspiring, iconic, and religious island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Versailles and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mont-Saint-Michel. Although Versailles and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Mont-Saint-Michel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Mont-Saint-Michel is famous for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. It is also well known for .

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

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

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.


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

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mont-Saint-Michel. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

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

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is mediocre for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.


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

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

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

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Versailles is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Versailles has some very good public transit options. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Versailles
Mont-Saint-Michel

Versailles and Mont-Saint-Michel are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

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

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

How long in Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Versailles. 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 Versailles 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 Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Versailles 1-2 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

With museums and food around the breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums around the ornate palace of Versailles, 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.

With food and museums around the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the opulent destination of Versailles. 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, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. This palace 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Versailles?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Versailles is €234, 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 Versailles and Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Versailles 128
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Versailles 256
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in Versailles and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Versailles 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 Versailles


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Versailles 53
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

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

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Versailles 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
    Versailles 67
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Versailles 45
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30

Tours and Activities in Versailles

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

  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

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
    Versailles 18
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86


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

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


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

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 1070 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Versailles 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 Versailles 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 Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Versailles is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 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 Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Versailles 20°C (68°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In October, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Versailles 13°C (56°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. Versailles is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Versailles 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
    Versailles 5°C (40°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Versailles is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Versailles 11°C (52°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Versailles

Versailles Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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