Marseille and Montpellier are two incredible cities on the south coast of France, full of history, culture, sunshine and great food. But if you’ve got to decide between the two, which should you visit?
It can be a difficult decision if you haven’t been to either before, but each city has its unique features that can help you choose where to spend your holiday.
In general, choose Marseille if you’re a history buff and a foodie looking to explore a dynamic and historic city with an excellent culinary scene. On the other hand, choose Montpellier for a lively, youthful energy with a great nightlife and plenty of things to do.
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Marseille
Marseille, France’s oldest city, is a vibrant Mediterranean port with a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Known for its historic Vieux-Port, stunning Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and wonderfully diverse community that’s reflected in its cuisine, Marseille offers a unique mix of urban energy and coastal charm, making it a captivating destination.
Accessibility
Marseille is very accessible from anywhere in Europe thanks to the two main airports nearby: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE).
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the closest, about 30 km northwest of the city centre, with numerous international flights and connections across Europe. The airport is well-connected to the city via a shuttle bus that takes about 25-30 minutes to reach Marseille’s main train station, Gare Saint-Charles.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is about 200 km away in the city of Nice, which may seem distant, but you can reach Marseille by train in about 2.5 hours, serving as another great option for travellers.
Marseille’s train station, Gare Saint-Charles, is in the centre of the city, making it easy to walk from to reach most of the attractions in the city, or take further transport around central Marseille as well as to other cities in France and mainland Europe.
From London, for example, you can take the Eurostar to Paris and transfer to a TGV high-speed train, which takes around 3 hours to reach Marseille. You can browse train schedules here.
Once you’re in Marseille, public transport is well-organised and very easy to navigate. There is a comprehensive network of buses, trams, and two metro lines that cover the main areas and tourist sites.
Public transport is generally reliable and frequent, making it convenient for most travellers, so renting a car is unnecessary unless you plan to explore the surrounding Provence region.
Also, unless you have parking space with your accommodation, finding parking in the city can be challenging and you may spend a lot of your time sitting in traffic.
Affordability
Marseille, as a much larger city than Montpellier, is generally more expensive to visit. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the area you stay in and the activities you choose.
Accommodation in Marseille varies widely according to the neighbourhood. The Vieux-Port (Old Port) area, Le Panier, and the trendy district of Cours Julien are popular with tourists and tend to have higher prices for hotels and B&Bs due to their proximity to major attractions, and busy areas – as do those with sea views.
In contrast, neighbourhoods like La Plaine or districts further from the city centre, such as Saint-Charles or La Belle de Mai, offer more affordable accommodation options.
Eating out in Marseille can also vary by location. Restaurants in the upscale district of Endoume and those along the coast typically charge more, especially for seafood and local specialities like bouillabaisse. However, in areas like Noailles or Castellane, you can find much more affordable dining options, including local markets and casual bistros, offering great value for money.
Similarly, grabbing a coffee or pastry is cheaper in these areas outside of the centre, and can be much more expensive in the centre, especially next to the main tourist attractions.
Regarding activities, Marseille offers a rich array of experiences, without needing too much money. Visiting iconic sites like the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, taking a stroll around the trendy neighbourhoods with vibrant street art like in Cours Julien or hiking in the Calanques are, of course, free, unless you opt for a guided tour.
However, museums such as MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) can be a small price for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Transport costs are typically higher in Marseille than in Montpellier, given its extensive metro, tram, and bus networks. However, it’s perfectly easy to walk around the centre, which can help keep transport costs down. If you want to visit several museums and take transport, then the Marseille CityPass can potentially save you some money.
Overall, Marseille is more expensive than Montpellier in general, but both have options to keep the costs down for a budget-friendly holiday.
Things to do in Marseille
Marseille is a unique French city thanks to its history as a port, where many changes and new faces have been seen over the centuries since the ancient Greeks.
Just wandering around the city, you’ll get to witness architecture and embrace an atmosphere that you can’t find elsewhere in France, but it has several places to see that also add to the charm of the city.
The Vieux-Port is the heart of Marseille and a must-visit for anyone visiting. This bustling harbour, surrounded by cafes, seafood restaurants, and historic landmarks, has been the city’s focal point for centuries.
Stroll along the quays, watch fishermen sell their catch of the day, or take a boat tour to explore the coastline and nearby islands, such as Château d’If, the famous prison of the Count of Monte Cristo.
From most streets in Marseille you can also look up to the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched atop the highest hill in Marseille, so it’s worth walking up to see the building up close.
This iconic basilica offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Known as “La Bonne Mère,” the basilica is a symbol of Marseille, and its richly decorated, naval themed interior and stunning mosaics make it well worth a trip, whether by foot, bus, or the tourist train.
When in Marseille, you should also stroll around the historic area Le Panier; Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood, characterised by its narrow, winding streets, colourful buildings, and vibrant street art is full of artisan shops, galleries, and charming cafes, making it perfect for a leisurely exploration.
One main site is the Vieille Charité, a 17th-century almshouse now housing museums and cultural spaces. Also be sure to stop by the incredible black and white Cathédrale de la Major.
If you’ve got a few days to spend in Marseille and fancy taking in some of the natural landscape, head to the Calanques National Park, just outside Marseille. The park offers stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and secluded coves, so you can enjoy a hike and a dip.
Hiking through the park provides incredible views and access to hidden beaches, while boat tours allow you to explore the rugged coastline from the sea.
Within the centre, you can also have a great cultural visit to the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). Situated at the entrance of the Old Port, the MuCEM is a modern architectural marvel that explores Mediterranean cultures.
The museum’s exhibitions, combined with its striking design and beautiful sea views, make it a unique cultural experience in Marseille. You can book skip-the-line tickets here.
Where to Stay in Marseille
Hôtel Life Marseille VP – A lovely hotel in the Old Port, this is a great mid-range choice in Marseille. There are several bright and modern rooms available, gorgeous panoramic views and a very good breakfast each morning.
La Residence Du Vieux Port – A lovely plush hotel in the Vieux Port, this hotel not only offers incredible views from its spacious rooms, there is an on-site restaurant and bar, a fab breakfast and a perfect location for exploring the city.
Vertigo Vieux-Port – This cool hostel (also in the Old Port) is a great option for solo travellers or those on a tight budget. There are traditional dorms and private rooms available, a 24-hour front desk and great common areas for guests to enjoy.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Marseille hotels!
Montpellier
Montpellier, a dynamic city in southern France, is known for its vibrant student population, historic architecture, and modern urban design.
With the Place de la Comédie thriving day and night, its charming mediaeval Écusson district, and the curious Antigone area, Montpellier seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, offering a rich cultural experience in a picturesque setting.
Accessibility
Montpellier is quite accessible from abroad, thanks to a few nearby airports. The top choice for reaching Montpellier is Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL), situated just 7 km southeast of the city centre, making it very easy to get to and from Montpellier centre with public transport.
This airport provides flights from several major European cities such as London, Amsterdam, and Paris, and a convenient shuttle bus connects the airport to the city centre, taking around 15-20 minutes.
Alternatively, Marseille Provence Airport, about 175 km away, is another great option, as it has a busier flight schedule, making it easier for people to reach from smaller cities. Marseille Airport is also well-connected to Montpellier by both train and bus, making it a practical choice for those coming from farther afield, with journeys taking around an hour and a half to 2 and a half hours respectively.
Gare de Montpellier Saint-Roch is the main train station, right in the centre of Montpellier and a hub for regional and high-speed trains (TGV). You can take a TGV from Paris which takes about 3.5 hours to Montpellier, so you could even take the Eurostar from London, Brussels or Amsterdam and reach Montpellier easily entirely by train.
Montpellier has a great public transport system, which includes trams, buses, and a bicycle-sharing program, all of which are easy to use, cost-effective and take you all over the city. The tram network is particularly extensive, with four lines covering most of the city and its suburbs, making it easy to reach key destinations.
Given the compact nature of Montpellier and the effectiveness of its public transport, renting a car is generally unnecessary unless you plan to explore the surrounding countryside – which, with the Pyrenees on the doorstep, can be very tempting.
Affordability
Montpellier is generally more affordable to visit than Marseille, although the cost difference can depend on where you decide to stay, what you choose to do and what kind of restaurants you visit.
In Montpellier, accommodation tends to be less expensive compared to Marseille, especially in less touristic areas. The city centre, particularly around Place de la Comédie and the historic Écusson district, offers a range of hotels and rooms to rent, but they’ll be much more expensive as they’re right in the city centre.
However, they are still generally lower than comparable areas in Marseille, so if staying very central is important to you, then Montpellier is your best option.
Equally, there are much more affordable places to stay in neighbourhoods slightly outside the centre, such as Antigone or Port Marianne, where you can find hotels, B&Bs and rooms to rent that won’t break the bank.
Dining in Montpellier is also more budget-friendly overall. In the historic Écusson district, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, from brasseries to mid-range restaurants with local cuisine, offering good value for money.
The student-friendly neighbourhoods around Université Paul Valéry also have many affordable eateries, including fast-food options and cafes, where you can enjoy a cheap meal. However, you do still have these options in Marseille as well, so it shouldn’t necessarily be a deciding factor.
Cafes around the university or in quieter neighbourhoods like Beaux-Arts also offer very reasonably priced coffee and snacks if you don’t have these facilities in your accommodation.
Montpellier also offers a variety of activities, many of which are either free or reasonably priced. You can explore the historic centre, visit the beautiful Promenade du Peyrou, or stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, for no cost at all. Even cultural sites like the Musée Fabre, a renowned art museum, only charge a moderate entrance fee.
Other activities like taking a short tram ride and a walk to the beautiful beach past the flamingos is also just the price of a tram ticket and your picnic food for the beach.
Montpellier has a well-developed tram and bus system that covers most areas. You can buy single tickets for individual journeys or opt for a day pass, which allows unlimited travel on trams and buses for 24 hours at a very reasonable price.
This is similar to Marseille, where public transport is also available via single tickets or day passes, but when comparing Montpellier vs Marseille for public transport price, Montpellier still comes out on top.
Things to do in Montpellier
Montpellier is an incredibly popular city in France, especially among younger generations due to the ongoing hustle and bustle of the streets due to the unique culture and local university. But thanks to the many remaining monuments of its historic past, Montpellier offers something for everyone.
The Place de la Comédie is the heart of Montpellier and one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe, where you’ll always find something going on.
Surrounded by stunning architecture, including the Opéra Comédie, this bustling square is a great place to people-watch from one of the many cafes, catch a street performance, or join in an impromptu party in the evening. The square’s lively atmosphere makes it a central hub for both locals and visitors.
The Écusson is Montpellier’s mediaeval quarter, filled with narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and historic buildings. As well as finding lots of brilliant street art, you can also come across the 14th-century Saint-Pierre Cathedral with its imposing Gothic architecture.
The Écusson is also home to many boutique shops, artisan stores, and quaint cafes, making it perfect for leisurely exploration.
Montpellier is also home to one of the most impressive art museums outside of Paris, Musée Fabre. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion, the museum features an extensive collection of European paintings and sculptures, ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary works.
This extensive collection and the elegant setting make this museum a must-visit for art lovers.
Part of Montpellier’s charm is just exploring the city, uncovering hidden gems and taking in the sights and sounds. Promenade du Peyrou is an excellent place for a stroll as it offers fantastic views of the city and its surroundings, with the triumphal arch, the Porte du Peyrou at one end and the magnificent 18th-century water tower, the Château d’Eau, at the other.
Underneath the water tower, you can also find the remains of a stunning aqueduct where you can also find a regular local flea market.
In contrast, Antigone is a very modern area, with intriguing architecture, designed by Spaniard Ricardo Bonfil. Close to the university, this more modern area uses neoclassical design to create an intriguing, open public space, making it a great place to wander through on your way to the river.
Where to Stay in Montpellier
Hôtel Royal – With several chich (and air-conditioned) rooms to choose from, this 3-star hotel has an excellent, central location, a great breakfast, family rooms available and a 24-hour front desk.
Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole – This 4-star hotel is great for those who want a bit of luxury. This hotel has a lovely swimming pool, private parking, a bar and restaurant and a great breakfast available to guests.
Appart’City Confort Montpellier Saint Roch – If you’re the kind of person who likes their own flat when travelling, then this is a great option. They offer a range of studios and apartments – all are air-conditioned and fully furnished.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Montpellier hotels!
Marseille vs Montpellier: The Verdict
It’s hard to choose between Montpellier and Marseille for your holiday if you simply want a break in the south of France to experience good weather and a beautiful city break. But some factors can make your decision easier.
If you want a lively stay, frequenting bars and restaurants and enjoying a vibrant nightlife, Montpellier is the city for you. What’s more, the incredible beach is just a short tram ride and walk away, so you can spend your days relaxing in the sun, and your nights partying.
However, if you’re feeling more active or your idea of a relaxing holiday is soaking up culture and incredible food, Marseille wins this round.
Spend your days perusing the local markets, visiting the epic cathedrals and exploring the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization before heading out for a meal. Bouillabaisse, Anchoïade, and Pistou are all Marseille specialities, so if you like fish and experiencing flavours you simply can’t find elsewhere, head to Marseille.
Both cities, while having their own charm, also offer visitors wonderful historic districts full of quaint artisanal shops and cafes as well as street art showcasing the local talent, so you can enjoy walking around either Marseille or Montpellier.
You can also head to local National Parks easily with public transport or your own vehicle if you want to get away to immerse yourself in nature in the Pyrenees, Camargue or Calanques parks.
But if cost is your main issue, then Montpellier may be the best city for your stay as generally the accommodation, food and public transport are much cheaper than the equivalents in Marseille, although both cities are diverse and large enough to find plenty of options.
Whether you choose to visit Montpellier or Marseille, there really is no bad option. Both cities have a lot to offer visitors and are wonderful to explore in their own right!
Are you visiting the south of France? Have any questions about either city? Let us know in the comments!
