Being one of the most visited cities on the French Mediterranean coast, there is certainly a lot of things to do in Montpellier France. This city is not only striking for its beautiful beaches and attractive climate, but also for its elegance, beautiful boulevards, streets and architecture.
Created in the beginning with the aim of becoming a commercial port, Montpellier is a city that has experienced a great economic, social and cultural development, being neither more nor less the cradle of the first European School of Medicine. Do you want to discover more?
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Things to see in Montpellier France
1. Saint Pierre’s Cathedral
Among all the religious monuments to be found in Montpellier France, the Cathedral of St. Peter is undoubtedly incomparable.
After having to be rebuilt in the 17th century due to war damage, it is now one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. In addition, right next to it is the Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier, the oldest in Europe. Are you going to miss it?
2. Comedie Square in Montpellier France
This square is probably one of the most visited and acclaimed places in the city, also considered the heart of Montpellier and the central square of the city.
Starting from the big advantage of being a completely pedestrian area, this square has on one side the historical part of the city. On the other, the modern part. Here you will also find the Opera de la Comedie, Montpellier’s main opera house.
3. Saint-Clement’s Aqueduct
After walking along the beautiful Promenade de Peyrou, you will come to one of the most impressive places in Montpellier: the Saint-Clément Aqueduct.
In the past, this infrastructure was able to supply water to the entire city. Today, a large part of its size is still preserved. One of the must-see sights of the city. Impressive, isn’t it?
4. Martyrs Square in Montpellier France
If you’re thinking of stopping for lunch, this square is the place for you. Located in the historic center of the city, it was named in honor of the resistance martyrs.
In the center of the square there’s a sculpture, created to commemorate those men who fought in the war. Also, very close by you can find a market where you can stop for a drink!
5. L’Ecuson Historic Centre
This key place has to top your list of places to visit in Montpellier. The labyrinthine structure of its streets will make you get lost in them, making the most of the walk without thinking about the destination.
While strolling through the area, you can get to know different buildings with a great historical value, besides being able to visit certain traditional places with a lot of charm. Do not forget to stop by Bras de Fer Street, undoubtedly the most beautiful and colorful of the whole area.
6. Fabre’s Museum
Whether you are an art lover or not, you cannot miss the Fabre’s Museum in Montpellier. Not only is it one of the most important museums in France, but it also exhibits more than 900 works of famous authors such as Delacroix or Monet, as well as some exhibitions of Greek art and other kinds of works from various periods and artists.
With a perfect location in the heart of Montpellier, it is one of the most visited places in the city. It can be a perfect plan for the afternoon or in case of a rainy day.
7. Comedie Opera
Located in the heart of the Comedie Square, this is the main opera house in Montpellier. With an architectural aesthetic inspired by the Paris Opera, this building is a real jewel.
This opera offers several performances, so it can become a good plan to spend the evening or after dinner. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
If you want to know what more cities and places to visit on your trip to France visit our post: Things to see and do in France.
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.
Things to see around Montpellier France
1. Visit Sete
Sète is located about 30 kilometers from Montpellier; it has a unique essence, surrounded by canals, ports, bridges and colorful buildings. Associated with the Venice of Languedoc, this place has a lot of historical value because it was the first fishing post in the Mediterranean.
To enjoy a breathtaking view of the place, we recommend climbing Saint-Clair’s peak, where you can see the whole city and take some great pictures.
2. Salagou’s Lake
In addition to enjoying crystal clear waters in the middle of a red desert, this lake is the only point of water in the middle of a totally arid area. It is one of the favorite places for swimming and fishing lovers, as well as a unique landscape for those who practice hiking in the area.
In this lake you can also practice activities such as paddle surfing, sailing or canoeing, while enjoying an environment of red earth, generated by the presence of an ancient volcano. A true natural wonder.
3. Aigues-Mortes
One of the places outside Montpellier that deserves a visit is the incredible lagoon of Aigues-Mortes. Its characteristic pink reflections water will leave you completely impressed. You will definitely want to immortalize the memory by taking a few photos.
A natural wonder not to be missed on your trip!
Things to do in Montpellier in a weekend
There is a lot to see and do in Montpellier, but a weekend is more than enough time to make the most of the city. With a detailed itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy the highlights without being rushed – take note!
1. Walk near Lez River
The Lez River is one of the most beautiful natural elements of Montpellier. Due to the fact that it crosses the city from one end to the other, it is the ideal place for those who love to walk along the water’s edge.
In addition, the area is so pleasant that you can even prepare a picnic in one of its gardens, or cycle along the road while stopping at the places of your interest. Undoubtedly, a different way to visit the city.
2. Taste some wine at Saint-Loup’s peak
You can’t set foot in Montpellier without participating in a wine tasting, and the best place to do so is at the peak of Saint-Loup. Not only will you enjoy the taste of incredible wines, but you will also experience unbeatable views.
You can make your reservation at a very good price with the possibility to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before. It doesn’t get any better than this!
3. Sunset at Chateau d’Eau
Located near the Arc de Triomphe in Montpellier, the Château d’Eau is an infrastructure originally created to store and distribute water from the Saint Clement Aqueduct.
However, its architectural beauty in Corinthian style and its ideal location have made it an exceptional viewpoint, so don’t hesitate to visit it if you want to enjoy a spectacular sunset!
4. Montpellier’s brunch at Port Marianne Quarter
The Port Marianne district is a place in Montpellier that offers an infinite number of possibilities for a delicious brunch. Depending on whether you are in the mood for sweet or savory, you can choose from some of our recommendations.
If you need a little sugar to recharge your batteries, at Le Melice you will find some of the best sweets: pancakes, biscuits and even yogurts with fruit, among others.
If, on the other hand, what you want is something savory, we advise you to go to La Baraquette. The terrace’s decoration is really nice, and the dishes served are even better.
Beaches to see in Montpellier France
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier is a paradise full of beaches. Whether closer or further away from the city, all its sites will leave you so amazed that you will find it difficult to choose.
1. Beach La Grande Motte
The Beach La Grande Motte is undoubtedly beautiful. But what makes it such an attractive place is the activity it offers thanks to the number of restaurants and events that take place around it.
Despite not being as close to the city as other beaches in Montpellier, this is still one of the favorites for travelers. You can reach it by taking the bus or by cycling along a beautiful stretch while contemplating other beaches along the way.
2. Beach Le Grau du Roi
Unlike the beach of La Grande Motte, in Le Grau du Roi you will find beaches that enjoy a quiet atmosphere like no other. In addition to its beautiful scenery, this place offers other types of activities.
Among the most entertaining, you can opt for the Camargue Natural Safari or the possibility of horseback riding in the nature of the area.
3. Beach Palavas-Les-Flots
The beach of Palavas-Les-Flots is one of the busiest and most beautiful in Montpellier; this has an explanation, and it is located a short distance from the city, which makes it one of the first choices for both locals and tourists.
Not only is it incredibly convenient to be able to access such a place within walking distance, but also the views offered by this beach are really a luxury. Totally recommended.
4. Beach de Carnon
They are undoubtedly some of the quietest beaches you will find in Montpellier, mostly frequented by the inhabitants of the city. In addition to its easy access by public transport or on foot, the scenery of these sands will blow your mind.
The ideal place if you prefer to escape the crowds; you will enjoy the warm waters and white sands of the French Mediterranean with a much quieter atmosphere, especially during the week.
Things to see in Montpellier at night
It is well known that cities have a special charm at night. Perhaps it is due to the lighting, or the tranquility of its streets once the sun has fallen. What is certain is that Montpellier is a city that shines even brighter under the moonlight.
1. Fontaine des Trois Grâces
This famous fountain made of marble, located in the Comedie Square and right in front of the opera, is considered one of the symbols of the city of Montpellier.
At night, the fountain is illuminated in such a way that it becomes the center of attention of the whole square. You will not regret visiting it at that time of day.
2. Babotte Tower
In the past, the Babotte Tower was a set of fortifications that guarded the entire Ecusson area. It is now considered a historical monument.
Due to its current function as an observatory, its interior is occupied by the Astronomical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences. The facade is, architecturally talking, a pure marvel.
3. Antigone Neighborhood
The Antigone Neighborhood is a peculiar place in Montpellier. Characterized for being a residential area designed by the Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. In this neighborhood you will find a style that distinguishes itself from the rest of the city. Getting lost in its streets is an experience.
4. Triumphal Arc in Montpellier France
Like Paris, Montpellier also wanted to have its own Triumphal Arc; the latter is also known as the Porte de Peyrou, and certainly has nothing to envy to his companion.
It is the entrance to the city of Montpellier from the Parc de Peyrou. The combination of its colors and symmetry make this monument a real work of art that you have to visit yes or yes.
Things to see in Montpellier with children
The big amount of things to see and do in Montpellier means that visiting with the little ones is no problem at all. On the contrary, the variety of activities offered for the whole family will delight both children and adults.
1. Montpellier Zoo
A good option to start the trip is to spend the morning with the kids to enjoy the animals at the Montpellier Zoo.
While they are amazed by the great variety of species, you can enjoy with your family a natural and different environment, and all this for free.
2. Botanical Garden
Considered one of the most important botanical gardens in Europe, this plot of more than 4 hectares is the oldest garden in France, currently managed by the University of Montpellier.
This garden, being a historical monument of Montpellier, offers the possibility to immerse yourself with the little ones in a natural environment in the heart of the city. You can access it completely free of charge, either independently or through a guided tour.
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3. Charles de Gaulle’s Esplanade
Charles de Gaulle’s Esplanade is a wide tree-lined promenade that starts at the Place de la Comedie.
Along the way you will enjoy a very special atmosphere with music, numerous fountains, trees, playgrounds and cafes where you can stop to play or have a snack with the little ones.
Things to see in Montpellier in 1 day
One day can be enough for many adventures in a city like Montpellier. Take note of these suggestions to make the most of your time in the city.
- Take pictures of thw Fontaine des Trois Grâces
- Visit the Comedie
- Walk near the Lez River
- Contemplate Martyrs Square
- Explora the L’Ecuson Historic Centre
Things to see in Montpellier in 3 days
Three days will allow you to see the highlights of Montpellier and enjoy some trips to the natural sites outside the city at a leisurely pace. Take note!
- Admire the Triumphal Arc
- Walk around the Antigone Quarter
- Spend the day at the Beaches Le Grau du Roi
- Taste some wine at Pico Saint-Loup’s peak
- Visit Fabre’s Museum
- Enjoy the Saint-Clement’s Aqueduct
- Explore Sete
- Visit the Comedie Opera
How to plan your itinerary of the places you want to see in Montpellier?
Download the Passporter app and plan your trip in the most organized way and according to the days and places you want to see in Montpellier France.
With the app you will be able to:
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Save information about the destinations you want to visit and that you have found on the internet. Just install the Chrome extension and save everything useful for your trip.
- Save tickets and reservations.
- Organize your route on google maps having as a starting point your accommodation or any other that you indicate.
- Get the best travel option for each place.
- Save and publish your own pictures and experiences as you go s and experiences, so as to when someone asks you “How was your trip in Ibiza? Visit my traveler profile on Passporter.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to use and get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter
Frequently asked questions for a trip to Montpellier
– Rent a bike through the Vélomagg application.
– Take the bus line 606 with Hérault Transport.
– Take the tramway line 32 with TaM.
– A single ticket for adults costs 8€.
– An individual ticket for families costs 5€.
– The museum is free on the first Sunday of each month.
– Children under 18 can enter free of charge.
– Children under 26 can enter for free on presentation of a student card.
– In Le Paddock you will find delicious typical French food for prices ranging from 15€-30€.
– In Les t’OCques you can enjoy a variety of dishes with excellent presentation and taste.
– At Le Lab you will enjoy one of the best French haute cuisine restaurants in Montpellier. Prices are around 55€-60€.
– At Umami la cinquieme saveur you can try delicious Asian dishes with vegetarian and vegan options. Prices range from 15€-50€.
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