A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Windsor or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Montpellier? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Windsor and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Windsor or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Windsor and Montpellier are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Windsor different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montpellier and Windsor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Montpellier?

Windsor
Montpellier

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Windsor and Montpellier.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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.


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

Windsor
Montpellier

Foodies will find both Windsor and Montpellier both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Montpellier is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Windsor or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Montpellier

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Montpellier.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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.

Is Windsor or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Windsor
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for the beache. However, Windsor is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.


Is Windsor or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Montpellier

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Montpellier is revered around the world. 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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Montpellier?

Windsor
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Montpellier Better for Families?

Windsor
Montpellier

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Montpellier.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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.


Is Windsor or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Windsor
Montpellier

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Montpellier make for a superb place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Montpellier is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Windsor or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Montpellier Better for Students?

Windsor
Montpellier

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.


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

Windsor
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Windsor
Montpellier

Windsor and Montpellier both are superb when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. 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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Montpellier?

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

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

One day in Windsor or Montpellier?

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Windsor or Montpellier?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town 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.

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Montpellier?

Because Windsor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Montpellier?

Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is £101. 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 Windsor and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Montpellier £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Montpellier £118
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Windsor 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 Windsor


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Montpellier £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Montpellier £26
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

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: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Montpellier £10

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Daily Walking Tour with Local Guide (11am & 2pm): $17
  • Windsor Daily Town Walking Tour: 11am & 2pm: $18
  • Windsor : Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Golden Tours Open Top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Duck Tour: Bus and Boat Ride: $34
  • Windsor Quest: Self Guided Sightseeing & Immersive Treasure Hunt: $37
  • Windsor and Thames Valley Bike Tour: $38
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • Windsor Castle Afternoon Tour from London: $86

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: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Montpellier £13

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: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Montpellier, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Windsor is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In October, Windsor is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Montpellier. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Windsor in the winter. Windsor is cooler than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Windsor is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the spring, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Windsor

Windsor Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)