How to miss Toulouse, the "Pink City", the Canal du Midi, the largest Roman building in Europe and many other cultural riches? Likewise, how to ignore the tourist attractions of Montpellier, without feeling a little tug on the heart? Avoid this dilemma thanks to this pairing of destinations that will allow us to consider the question from another angle.
Toulouse or Montpellier Which one to choose?
Between Toulouse and Montpellier, two major cities in the Occitanie region in the south of France, the choice is far from obvious. This article leads us to compare these two destinations and designate the winner, for each criterion that may influence the success of your stay: climate, cost of living, available activities, tourist attractions, etc.
Remember that Toulouse, the "Pink City", located on the Garonne, is the historical capital of Languedoc. It attracts both architectural heritage enthusiasts and rocket science enthusiasts. And thanks to places like the Canal du Midi, nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities there.
Toulouse, Haute-Garonne
Montpellier is one of the few French cities where life is good, given the mild climatic conditions, proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and quality of life. Its cultural heritage, including the many historical monuments such as the gate and the royal site of Peyrou, will delight enthusiasts of cultural discoveries.
Which city to choose according to climate and weather?
The most weather-friendly city is the one whose climatic conditions allow you to take advantage of the greatest number of bright and pleasant days, for an urban getaway.
Best weather forecast: Montpellier
The two main cities of the Occitania region have the same climatic characteristics of the Mediterranean climate: mild but humid winters, hot and dry summers, as well as relatively rainy transitional seasons. But if Toulouse knows the continental influences, the city of Montpellier is favored by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The inhabitants of Montpellier enjoy sunnier days, as well as a warmer and therefore more pleasant atmosphere than in Toulouse. However, be aware that episodes of heavy downpours can characterize autumn days, to be taken into account when planning to stay in Montpellier between September and December.
Montpellier
The destination to choose according to your budget
Which city is the most accessible with a reasonable travel budget, with more advantageous living costs: Toulouse or Montpellier?
The cheapest city: Toulouse
For a visit of only a few days, the differences in the cost of living between these two destinations are negligible, only ten euros per day, sometimes in favor of Toulouse, sometimes in favor of Montpellier. But for a stay of more than a week, it is more interesting to stay in Toulouse, if you want to stay in a medium or high standard hotel. On the other hand, for backpackers on a limited budget, Montpellier is less expensive. In fact, the cost of an overnight stay is a bit cheaper and makes a difference during a relatively long stay.
Toulouse, Place de la Trinité
Quality of life: health, safety, pollution
The city to favor in terms of well-being is the one with a low crime rate, better air quality and better access to medical care.
It is good to live in Toulouse
Despite the good reputation that precedes the city of Montpellier, it is in the Pink City where life is good. Of course, the crime rate in Toulouse is relatively lower. Suddenly, the inhabitants of Toulouse are more serene when it comes to walking alone in the street, both in broad daylight and at night. However, be aware that the health system in Montpellier is a bit more reassuring than in Toulouse.
Which destination to choose for a weekend or a week: Toulouse or Montpellier?
Which destination to choose according to the time you have available: Toulouse or Montpellier? Choose the one that offers activities adapted to the length of your stay.
For a romantic weekend, choose Montpellier for a romantic weekend.
Botanical garden, magnificent squares and boulevards: Montpellier is full of magnificent places ideal for romantic walks, visits and activities with friends, during a weekend.
Montpellier
For a week, prefer Montpellier and Toulouse.
Montpellier and Toulouse are beautiful cities that lend themselves to a stay of a week or more. Of course, they are lively and dynamic cities that leave little time for boredom. Here you will find what you are looking for, whether you are passionate about art and culture, going out with friends or shopping, urban escapades or nightlife, to end your days in style.
Which city to choose, depending on the places of interest to visit?
The success of a stay depends on the quality of the accommodation but also on the diversity of activities to do. So, which city is more attractive, in terms of cultural discovery, Toulouse or Montpellier?
The city with the most UNESCO-listed sites: Toulouse
Montpellier's intramurals have many historical monuments, but none of these buildings appear on the UNESCO heritage list. In Toulouse, on the other hand, you can discover natural and cultural sites classified as Unesco heritage, such as the 12.6 km of waterways of Toulouse, which are the starting point of the Canal du Midi, and the Canal de Brienne. Then there are the Jacobean churches such as the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques, which are among the properties of the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle Ways in France. What makes Toulouse a privileged city!
Toulouse, Dome of La Grave
The most cultural destination: Toulouse and Montpellier
Toulouse and Montpellier are cultural destinations that will delight people passionate about architectural heritage, art and culture. Of course, the Pink City is home to a dozen museums compared to 8 in the prefecture of the Hérault department. In addition, these two cities are close to UNESCO sites in Occitania, such as Carcassonne, the Pont du Gard, the town of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in the Val de Gellone or the Vauban fortresses ... . In addition, these two destinations are also located near the remarkable properties and buildings of the Pilgrims' Road to Santiago de Compostela in France: the basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques in Toulouse and places such as the Devil's Bridge near Montpellier.
Which city to choose according to travelers' opinions: Toulouse or Montpellier?
If you still have trouble deciding, you can also rely on the opinions of travelers who have had a successful stay in Montpellieret / or Toulouse.
Travelers prefer: Toulouse and Montpellier.
For sure! Opinions differ when it comes to separating Toulouse and Montpellier. However, those who have a weakness for art, culture and authentic architecture of brick buildings, opt for Toulouse. The same goes for rocket science enthusiasts who like to wander the city of space. As for Montpellier, this city attracts those who like to walk and admire the boulevards and the elegant architecture of the buildings. The seaside vacation enthusiasts also like to stay in Montpellier, which is a stone's throw from the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean.
So which is your choice: Toulouse or Montpellier?
So, which destination to choose: Toulouse the Pink City, known for its architecture and aerospace industry, or Montpellier, conducive to a relaxed city tourism experience? Whatever your preference, we're curious about your choice, so share it in a comment!
