A Travel Price Comparison for France Versailles vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Versailles or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Montpellier, 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 opulent, historic, and extensive palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montpellier than Versailles. Montpellier is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montpellier is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Versailles different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Versailles on the map. 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Food Better in Versailles or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. 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.

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 Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great city for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. 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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Versailles or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Montpellier Better for Families?

Montpellier is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. 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.

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 Montpellier Better for Couples?

Versailles and Montpellier are both great to visit as a couple.

Versailles is a great palace if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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.

Is Versailles or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a great destination for students. 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.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles and Montpellier both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Versailles. 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.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Versailles or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Versailles and Montpellier are great 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable palace. 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 Versailles Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Montpellier?

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

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Versailles. 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 Versailles. 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 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 Montpellier.

One day in Versailles or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the opulent palace of Versailles. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this palace has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the grand destination of Versailles. This palace 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Versailles or Montpellier?

The extensive palace of Versailles offers 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.

Montpellier, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. 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.

Montpellier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles 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 Versailles or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Montpellier. Additionally, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Versailles is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Versailles is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Versailles is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Montpellier. The spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In April, Versailles is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Versailles