How to plan a trip to Montpellier

If you are thinking of traveling to Montpellier you probably know that this beautiful city in the south of France is famous for its mild climate, lively cultural life and rich history embodied in the local architecture. So since you already know all this, we will not entertain you by telling you what to see and what to do in the city, but we will help you plan your trip to Montpellier by telling you key aspects such as the best time to travel, where to find accommodation or how to get there.

At Passporter we know that organizing a trip can be a really tedious task; comparing prices, preparing documentation, getting information about transportation…. There is a thousand details to take into account, but don’t worry because later on you will be able to answer many questions that will surely assail you at some point before or during the trip. We have prepared a series of travel tips that we are sure will be of great help to you. Ready to start your trip?

1. Prepare your travel documents for Montpellier

Crossing international borders often involves a number of specific documentation requirements. Those citizens of the Schengen area must simply present a valid ID card or passport for stays of less than 90 days. However, visits for work or study purposes require additional permits that will have to be processed through the French embassy or consulate in your country, either in person or online.

Several countries outside the Schengen area, including nations such as Switzerland, Japan and Canada, among others, enjoy visa exemptions to enter France.

Still, travelers from other regions need to apply for a visa, which entails preparing and presenting a number of key documents:

• Visa application form: you must complete the form corresponding to the type of visa you are applying for (short stay or long stay).
• Card-type photographs: you will need two recent photos that meet the photo requirements for Schengen visas.
• Valid passport: your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, have a minimum validity of 3 months after the end of your intended stay and at least two blank pages.
• Copies of previous visas, if applicable.
• Travel medical insurance: must cover the entire Schengen territory with a minimum of €30,000.
• Complete itinerary: details of your trip, including how you plan to get to France and proof of your return or onward travel.
• Proof of financial means: documentation showing how you will finance yourself during your stay.
• Proof of accommodation: this can be a hotel reservation, a hosting certificate, a rental contract, or a certificate of ownership.
• Certificate of criminal record from the country of origin.
• Proof of payment of visa fee: visa processing costs 80€.

Before applying for the visa, we recommend that you prepare all the documentation well so that you do not have to repeat the process, which usually takes 10 to 15 working days.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Montpellier

If you are planning to travel to Montpellier and want to enjoy the good weather and the surrounding beaches, we encourage you to go between June and October, when the temperature is warm and there is less chance of rain. During these months the city is more lively and the cultural offer is more abundant and varied.

In winter, the low season, it is also possible to make a getaway and enjoy the main points of interest in a quiet and uncrowded way. You must keep in mind that due to the cold you will not be able to enjoy the open spaces in the same way. The daylight hours are limited and the tourist places have more restrictive schedules.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, we recommend avoiding July and August. We went the first week of August and although we loved the city, we would have liked to see it with fewer people.

3. Find out how to get to Montpellier

Montpellier is a city very well connected at the European level due to its many tourist attractions. These are all the options you have available to get there:

• Airplane: Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport receives frequent flights from several French and international cities such as Barcelona, Majorca or Rome. If you are traveling from a country without a direct connection, you can make a stopover in Paris, which is 1 hour away. Some of the most common airlines are AirFrance, British Airways or Easyjet.
• Train: in France high-speed trains (TGV) are very efficient, so it is often preferable to travel by this means rather than by plane. Montpellier is well connected to major cities in the country such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Travel time from Paris can be approximately 3.5 hours by TGV. From European cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Geneva, or Milan, you can take trains connecting to the French rail network to Montpellier, although you will most likely have to make some transfers.
• Bus: Bus companies such as Eurolines and FlixBus offer services from several European cities to Montpellier. This can be a cheaper option, although it usually takes longer than train or plane.
• Car: driving is another viable option. Either from your home country or by renting a car upon arrival in France, you will be able to reach your destination by freeway without any problems. Just remember that if you are traveling from outside the European Union you will need to apply for an international driving license.

There is also the option to use different modes of transportation. For example, you can fly to Pays de la Loire and take the TGV or rent a car. If you plan to travel by plane, we recommend looking ahead and encourage you to manage your bookings through Skyscanner on the Passporter App.

Once in the city you will be able to get around the center on foot and by public transport. The price of tram and bus tickets is €1.6. But there is the option to buy a 10-ride pass for €10.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Montpellier

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our travels around the world, it’s that if you want to save on accommodation, you’d better book early because the best deals fly. That’s why when you plan a trip to Montpellier, from the moment you have in mind to visit the city, you should start comparing through booking in the Passporter App the best options to be able to choose your favorite.

We know that sometimes it can be difficult to find accommodation, especially if we do not know the city and do not know the best areas. But today you’re in luck! Because we have prepared this list with the best neighborhoods where to look for accommodation according to your budget and interests:

1. Écusson: the historic heart of Montpellier, characterized by medieval streets, squares and a vibrant nightlife. It is not the cheapest due to its popularity and central location, but is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s history and culture.
2. Antigone: is a modern neighborhood known for its neoclassical architecture. It offers contemporary apartments and is close to many attractions. It may be slightly more affordable than Écusson, but it is still a sought-after area.
3. Beaux-Arts: this neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere, open-air markets and cafes. It’s a slightly cheaper option than Écusson and Antigone, popular with students and young professionals.
4. Port-Marianne: one of the most modern and newly developing areas of Montpellier, with a strong focus on green spaces and modern architecture. Prices here can vary, but it generally offers mid-priced housing options.
5. Les Arceaux: close to the center but with a quieter atmosphere, known for its farmers’ market. Prices are moderate, making this neighborhood an attractive option for those looking for a balance between affordability and proximity to the center.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Montpellier

It’s a pity when we go on vacation and we don’t have time to see everything. If you want to avoid that happening in Montpellier, we recommend you plan ahead. Find out the schedules of the most visited points of interest in the city and if possible, buy tickets online. In this post you can read about all these details that will help you organize your visit: Things to see and do in Montpellier France

In general one day is enough to explore the city. But if you have 3 days, you can also explore the surroundings and go without haste.

Here are the must-see attractions in Montpellier:

1. Place de la Comédie: this wide square is famous for its 19th century opera house, known as L’Opéra Comédie, and for the Three Graces fountain, a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
2. The Botanical Garden of Montpellier: the oldest botanical garden in France, founded in 1593. It is an oasis of peace that houses an impressive collection of plants from all over the world, ideal for nature lovers.
3. The Old Quarter: to wander through Montpellier’s old town is to discover a mix of medieval, Renaissance and modern architecture, with narrow streets lined with stores, cafes and charming squares.
4. The Arc de Triomphe and the Promenade du Peyrou: the majestic Arc de Triomphe, dedicated to Louis XIV, is the gateway to the Promenade du Peyrou, a large public space with panoramic views over Montpellier and the surrounding area.
5. St. Peter’s Cathedral: this imposing Gothic cathedral, with its distinctive defensive towers, is one of the city’s most important religious icons.
6. The Fabre Museum: one of France’s leading fine arts museums, the Fabre Museum houses a vast collection of European art from the Renaissance to the present day.
7. The Mare Nostrum Aquarium: this modern aquarium offers an immersion into marine ecosystems from around the world, with species from all oceans and interactive activities for all ages.
8. The Antigone Quarter: designed by Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill in the 1970s and 1980s, this neighborhood is a fascinating example of post-modern architecture, inspired by classical antiquity but with a modern approach.
9. The Montpellier Zoological Park: beyond being simply a zoo, this park is also a conservation space that houses species from around the world in environments that mimic their natural habitats, ideal for a family outing. Admission is free.

6. Where and what to eat in Montpellier

We have already told you that in Montpellier you will not eat badly. Its gastronomy, of strong Mediterranean influence, fuses fresh and quality ingredients with a variety of techniques that give rise to delicious dishes such as cod brandade or mussels a la marinière. Its proximity to the coast makes the product of the sea one of the protagonists of the table.

You’ll find numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. But you can also eat at more moderately priced local restaurants and markets.

Les Halles Castellane is the city’s main market. And although it’s more focused on fresh produce, you’ll also be able to eat and take home regional souvenirs. The other market, Le Marché du Lez, has been converted into a cultural and gastronomic space more focused on leisure.

You’ll have a hard time knowing where to start because everything is delicious.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of the most typical dishes in Montpellier to give you a few hints.

• Brandade de Morue: is a creamy puree of desalted cod mixed with olive oil and milk, served hot as a main dish or as a spread on bread.
• Tielle Sétoise: spicy octopus pie, originally from nearby Sète, which combines chunks of octopus in a rich tomato sauce with spices, all encased in a crunchy pastry.
• Moules Marinières: mussels steamed in white wine with garlic, onion and herbs, a coastal classic that is especially enjoyed in the warmer months.
• Fougasse d’Aigues-Mortes: a sweet and soft bread, typical of the region, characterized by its orange blossom flavor and spongy texture, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
• Zezettes de Sète: crunchy and slightly sweet cookies, flavored with vanilla and sometimes rosé wine, perfect to accompany a coffee or tea.
• Bouzigues oysters: cultivated in the lagoons near Montpellier, these oysters are prized for their superior quality and unique flavor, offering an exceptional gastronomic experience au naturel or with a touch of lemon.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Montpellier

At Passporter we want you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, and as we know that traveling with friends can sometimes be a source of conflict, especially when traveling in large groups, we have prepared this post with some tips that may be of help: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

However, we can’t think of a better option for organizing a trip with friends than with the help of the free Passporter App. Using it you can create a common travel route where you can each share your interests and expectations for the trip.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Montpellier

• The currency in France is the euro.
• You will be able to pay by card in the vast majority of stores.
• Get up early to enjoy the city with fewer people and have time to see everything.
• The best time to travel to Montpellier is in summer, when temperatures are more pleasant. But during spring and autumn there are fewer tourists.
• France uses plug type E, with voltage 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are traveling from the European Union you will not need a visa to travel to France, a passport is sufficient.
• The official language is French, but in tourist areas you will be able to communicate in English and other European languages.
• The water in France is drinkable.
• Montpellier is a safe city, but it never hurts to keep your belongings in sight.
• Book flights and accommodations in advance for better prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as for example the one provided by Mondo.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Montpellier travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Montpellier

Download the Passporter App and discover all of its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your experience on how to plan your trip to Montpellier.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Montpellier