Montpellier is a city in the Occitanie region of southern France. There are so many reasons to come here, starting with the warm sun for most of the year! Renowned vineyards, museums, Mediterranean cuisine and just a 10-minute walk to the beach. Here’s our guide.
What is there to see?
- Place de la Comédie
This pedestrian-only square is also known as the “Place de L’Oeuf” (egg square) due to its shape. At the centre, you’ll see the Three Graces statue and fountain, and beside this monument is the beautiful Opéra Comédie, an Italian-style theatre that was built in 1888. Just spectacular.
- The Montpellier Cathedral and bell towers
This cathedral devoted to Saint Peter is an incredible example of southern Gothic-style architecture. Inside, you’ll be able to admire the artwork by Sébastien Bourdon entitled “The Fall of Simon the Magician”, before then bravely taking on the 200 steps up to an exceptional viewpoint.
_ The Faculty of Medicine In 2020, this faculty celebrated its 800th anniversary, making it the oldest faculty of medicine in the western world. It was once a Benedictine monastery and Montpellier Cathedral was the chapel. Some prestigious students have studied here, including Rabelais. The staircase in the Grande Salle is monumental! In the Salle des Actes, today known as the Salle des Soutenance where students come to take an oath, there are several portraits and one of them is a woman. Can you find her? - The Arc de Triomphe (of the south)
This Arc de Triomphe was erected in 1692 in the location of one of the portals of the ancient ramparts. If you visit Peyrou park as you leave the cathedral, it is also a way through to the city centre. If you want to get your heart pumping, don’t hesitate to climb the 90 steps to the top of the park. The view across the city is definitely worth it.
- Écusson medieval district
The narrow streets here were built in the Middle Ages and they are lined with white stone buildings and medieval-style cobbled squares. Explore the 1,000 years of history at your own pace. During the evenings in the summer, you’ll be taken aback by the charm of this district, and there are also special evenings and concerts organised here.
- The Domaine des Compagnons de Maguelone
This estate is well-known for its organic vineyards and above-all for its production on an island that is none other than an ancient volcano! This exceptional place is a classified Natura 2000 site, and you can find out about the local grape varieties while you’re here.
- The Musée Fabre and collection of European artworks
This fine arts museum exhibits the work of artists such as Pierre Soulages, François-Xavier Fabre, and Frédéric Bazille. The visitor’s tour is entirely devoted to spectacular artworks of the 20th century. The building is a masterpiece in itself, with an impressive glass roof and monumental design throughout the visitor’s tour.
- The Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes is the green lung of Montpellier and is well-known for being the oldest garden in France. It was created in 1593 as a place to grow medicinal plants used by the nearby Faculty of Medicine. This classified “Remarkable Garden” is a great place to go for a stroll, and on very hot days, you'll be able to cool off here. If you’re feeling spiritual, you can come and make a wish at the foot of the “Le Phillaire” tree.
- Peyrou Park and the extraordinary sunset
On Sunday mornings, come for a stroll around Peyrou Park and the weekly flea market there. This city centre walk is a real breath of fresh air and a chance to enjoy the many different sides of Montpellier. Whether you are an early riser or a night owl, this is the perfect place to admire the spectacular sunset.
- The winegrowing estates of the Hérault The countless winegrowing estates make Hérault a well-known destination with wine enthusiasts. Of them, the Domaine Royal de Jarras is an estate where you’ll discover a vineyard planted directly into the sand, on a historic island. In Castelnau-le-Lez, the Domaine de Verchant organises guided tours of the vineyard, winery and tastings of top-quality wines. The Domaine de la Dourbie organises a fantastic all-round wine tourism experience where visitors can learn about how their organic wine is made. This is a one-of-a-kind experience in France. The Domaine Mas de Daumas Gassac is well-known for its red and white wines, and organises guided tours to learn about the winemaking process. Come and explore the ten hectares of vines at the Domaine de Saint-Clément, a key stopover along the Wine Route.
Things to do
Sail on an atypical canal boat through the Fonseranes Locks and find out all about the history of this engineering structure and the other constructions along the Canal du Midi.
Fill your basket with local products at Lez market This former industrial site is the place-to-be, and you can see why. It’s a vibrant area that is very popular with the locals. A creative place with second-hand goods stalls, restaurants with outdoor seating areas, and exhibition galleries. There’s something for everyone in this relaxed venue with a traditional “guinguette”-style vibe.
Are you brave enough to go aquatic hiking or climbing in the Cévennes and Caroux? If you like extreme sports, the surrounding area of Montpellier is brimming with outdoor sports venues. From the range of activities including aquatic hiking in the Hérault or Gard, climbing or via-ferrata, sporty visitors are sure to find something to do. Another advantage is that the warm climate here means it’s still possible to take part in these activities outside of the peak season.
Head up onto the rooftop of the Corum at the Palais des Congrès Besides the concerts from the national orchestra, the rooftop is also a regular venue for festivals such as the Cinmed, Mediterranean film festival. The venue can welcome up to 2,000 people and the view from the top is incredible!
Explore the Pavillon Populaire art gallery and the Mo.Co The Montpellier Contemporain houses an art school and two centres for contemporary art. It is a laboratory of creation and there are countless local and international exhibitions held there. The public sector organises art workshops here and they are free and open to all. These creative experiences that call upon all the senses will appeal to everyone.
Check out the schedule for the city’s many festivals before deciding on your holiday dates There is always something going on in this city, and there are so many events to choose from, including the Printemps des Comédiens, Radio France Festival and the Montpellier Occitanie festival. The list is long so you might as well choose something you really want to see. The Festival des Fanfares would suit happy-go-lucky people, adventurers would enjoy the International Festival of Travel and Adventure Films, skateboarders will love the Festival of Extreme Sports and the Boutographies Festival is ideal for budding photographers.
Pick up a great read at a book shop The Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle in the city centre is lined with plane trees, making it the ideal place to enjoy the shade on hot summer’s days. In amongst the traditional guinguettes and ice cream parlours, you’ll be able to pick up a few books, including some rare finds.
Get a massage in the midst of the vineyards Besides harvesting the grapes and producing their own wines, the Domaine Verchant is also a luxury hotel with a top-of-the-range spa, offering a range of massages that have been inspired by the owners who are passionate about travelling and wellness. The perfect destination for couples, for the ultimate moment of pure relaxation.
Climb the 17 floors of the Arbre Blanc Designed by Sou Fujimoto, Manal Rachdi and Nicolas Laisné, the Arbre Blanc (white tree) has been a local symbol of contemporary art since 2019. It is 56 metres high and houses a private art gallery. From the bar-restaurant, “L’Arbre”, you can admire the banks of the river Lez and the Antigone district as you enjoy the delicious local dishes.
By Noémie Lemire
Journalist with a passion for the written word and travels. She enjoys life to the fullest and always travels with her pug Leon by her side.
