Montpellier

DESTINATIONS france montpellier

Montpellier

Montpellier, one of Europe's emerging holiday gems, draws travellers with its Mediterranean proximity, enchanting medieval core, and lively nightlife fuelled by its large student community. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, Montpellier beckons exploration, whether it's the nearby Mediterranean beaches or the adventurous allure of the Cévennes mountains just an hour's drive away.

The City

Montpellier — originally called Monte Pestalario — is one of only a few larger cities in southern France that does not have Roman roots. The city was founded in 985 under a local feudal dynasty, the Guilhem, who combined two hamlets and built a castle and walls around the united settlement. During the Middle Ages, Montpellier evolved into a prominent medieval trading hub and a centre of intellectual and cultural pursuits. Its renowned University of Montpellier, established in 1220, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Its roster of famous alumni includes the creator of prophecies, Nostradamus, and the author Rabelais. Over the next centuries, the open-minded and liberal Montpellier was faced with several challenges. It was struck by the plague in the 1300s, and later became a stronghold for the French Protestants, the Huguenots. Until the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, they fought a losing battle against the Catholic Church and the French crown. By the time these religious wars ended, all surviving Huguenots had either surrendered or fled to England, Ireland or America. Today, Montpellier is known for its university and a quarter of its citizens are students. The beautiful medieval area is a pedestrian haven with marbled alleys like L’Ancien Courrier. Low-set medieval buildings and churches adorn the area’s 16 squares, including the one in the city centre, Place de la Comédie.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

There is plenty to do in the way of culture and entertainment, as well as exciting tours to go on — from regional vineyards and wineries to hiking up Pic St-Loup. Visit the city's many cathedrals (Carre Sainte-Anne is one that stands out with its refurbished interior turned into an art space), walk down the windy streets of the Old Town, and plan a field trip to the nearby seaside villages.

Montpellier Cathedral

A national monument of France, this Roman Catholic cathedral, dedicated to Saint Peter, was originally founded as a church in 1364 and later became a cathedral in 1536. The architectural marvel is built in the Gothic style and captivates visitors with its stunning features, including beautiful stained glass, old religious paintings, and an attached …

Roquefort Société Caves

To explore the Roquefort Société Caves, you must venture a bit off the beaten path, approximately 1 1/2 hours northwest of Montpellier. The prime period to witness the cheeses ripening in the caves spans from January through July. However, access to the caves remains available throughout the entire …

Place de la Comédie

Place de la Comédie, situated in the heart of Montpellier, is a bustling and iconic square that serves as the vibrant focal point of the city. Also known as 'Place de l'oeuf' (Square Egg) due to its oval shape, the square is surrounded by stunning architectural landmarks, including the Opéra Comédie and the Three …

Notre-Dame des Tables

The original church was destroyed during the religious wars of the 16th century, but it is still an exciting historical destination. The name, Notre-Dame des Tables, comes from the tables of the currency exchange that was linked to the spice trade, originally located in front of the …

Musée Atger

Situated within the Department of Medicine, the museum holds the distinction of being the oldest in the city. It houses a remarkable collection of historic European drawings, paintings, and manuscripts. This extensive assortment was meticulously gathered by the collector Xavier Atger and features works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Tiepolo, Carracci, and …

Jardin des Plantes

Pierre Richer de Belleval founded France’s oldest botanical garden in 1593. Today, it is a charming array of tropical greenhouses, ancient trees and worn benches. The ancient trees provide plenty of shaded areas to make it a sought-after spot in the heat of …

Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone

Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, situated a few miles south of Montpellier, is home to a magical lagoon landscape with beaches, sand dunes, islands, and a massive 17th-century cathedral. There are plenty of relaxing and active pursuits to explore in the area — from water sports to bird …

Espiguette Beach

Espiguette Beach is a tranquil and low-key destination, known for its long, wide expanse of sandy shores. The shallow waters make it safe environment for younger swimmers. While this beach becomes a popular and bustling spot during the summer, the serene atmosphere and expansive coastline make it well worth a …

Musée Fabre

One of the biggest museums in France, exhibiting nearly 800 works with Flemish, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and French collections. Admire works from the 16th-18th centuries from painters like Zurbaran, Reynolds, Tenier, Veronese and Monet. On display are ceramics, sculptures and contemporary …

Planet Ocean World

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in town, and no wonder why — it contains 3,500 animals from nearly 300 species which fills the 24 pools. Beyond its impressive marine life collection, the aquarium offers a unique experience with various marine landscapes and features cutting-edge exhibits, including storm and hurricane …

Montpellier Zoological Park

Montpellier Zoological Park, sprawling across an 80-hectare site, boasts an impressive collection with 141 species and over 1350 animals. This expansive and diverse habitat offers a delightful experience for visitors, combining the joys of nature with the opportunity to observe a wide array of …

Musée des Dinosaures

Situated in an authentic paleontological site, this dinosaur park stands as the largest in Europe, making it an exceptional day trip from Montpellier. Combining real fossil displays with life-size dinosaur models, including the impressive 25-metre-long Brachiosaurus, the park offers a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all …

Château de la Mogère

Located on the outskirts of Montpellier, Château de la Mogère is a magnificent 18th-century castle surrounded by sprawling gardens and vineyards. This historic estate, once a residence of Montpellier nobility, showcases classic French architecture with its elegant façade and meticulously landscaped grounds. The château is renowned for its well-preserved interiors, featuring lavish furnishings and …

Europark Indoor

Europark, the largest indoor children's entertainment park in France, offers a paradise for children up to 13 years old. Packed with a plethora of activities, young visitors can indulge in delights such as swimming in the ball pool, exhilarating slides, bouncing on trampolines, and much …

Pavillon Populaire

This hard-to-miss building, located in very close proximity to the Tourist Office, regularly hosts a wealth of photography exhibitions featuring the works of local and international photographers. Expositions change frequently, so stop by to see what is on display when you're in …

Pic Saint-Loup

Pic Saint-Loup is the highest observation point in the Montpellier area and a perfect place to go for a rewarding hike. As you ascend, the true reward unveils at the summit, where lush valleys stretch out below, offering breathtaking panoramic …

Le Petit Paradis De Vendargues

This lovely animal farm is located just outside of Montpellier, only a short drive northeast of the city. Animal inhabitants of the farm include alpacas, pigs, donkeys, goats, adorable ponies and more — all rather friendly. Plus, boat rides or pedal boats, inflatable structures and games for …

Wine Tours

There are multiple companies offering wine tours to wineries in the Montpellier area. Some include a visit to an olive farm (and other activities), followed by a tour of one of the regional wineries, which usually includes a wine-tasting session. One company organising tours of this kind is Montpellier Wine …

Carré Sainte Anne

From the outside, Carré Sainte Anne deceptively looks like just another church. Those who do venture inside, however, will be surprised to see the refurbished space that has been turned into a contemporary exhibition pavilion, with expositions designed to resonate with the unusual nature of the …

Dining

The cuisine of the Languedoc region is characterised by its rich Mediterranean influence. Known for incorporating sumptuous fresh ingredients sourced from both land and sea, Languedoc cuisine emphasizes fresh produce, olive oil, herbs, and aromatic spices. Seafood plays a significant role, given the region's proximity to the Mediterranean. Traditional dishes include cassoulet (a hearty bean stew with meat), bourride (fish soup with aioli), and anchovy-based specialities. The flavours are robust, often featuring locally sourced meats, cheeses, and wines.

Le Bistrok Montpellier

Just a few steps from Place de la Comédie lies Le Bistrok, a beloved restaurant offering a fusion of Italian, French, and Asian cuisines, creatively presented in bistro-style dishes. The venue's funky ambience includes a wine cellar and opportunities for wine tastings. The dishes, true culinary works of art, not only captivate visually but …

La Coquille

La Coquille is a long-standing, family-run restaurant nestled in the Old Town on a romantic square. Usually packed with locals — a tell-tale sign when it comes to eateries — La Coquille offers traditional and family cuisine. Some of their signature dishes include roasted camembert, coquillettes with truffle and calf …

Empanadas Club

For a break from classic French flavours, try the excellent Argentinean eatery Empanadas Club, located in the heart of the city. Specialising in empanadas, small turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, the restaurant prides itself on homemade excellence — from the empanada dough to the flavourful fillings and the traditional chimichurri sauce. With …

Le Pat'Daniel's

Le Pat'Daniel's is a unique restaurant dedicated to the versatile use of Jack Daniels whiskey in both its kitchen creations and an extensive selection of 17 distinct flavours available for individual sampling. Given its popularity, it's advisable to book in …

Burger'N'Co

Burger'n'Co is an American diner-inspired restaurant celebrated for its juicy, creative, and diverse burger offerings. Take a seat inside and dine to classic rock'n'roll playing in the background. To get that amazing taste, all burgers are prepared with fresh …

Pizzeria Sicilia

Specialising in the art of wood-fired pizza making since 1980, along with homemade pasta, Pizzeria Sicilia offers a genuine taste of Italy in an unpretentious and friendly …

Cafés

Café culture is alive in Montpellier, with quite a few establishments serving coffee of the highest quality. Brunch is very much a thing here, and finding a suitable location in the vicinity should not present much difficulty.

Coffee Club

Coffee Club enjoys a great reputation for its coffee — some say, it is among the best offered in the city. Non-dairy milk substitutes are available upon request. Other drinks include teas, hot chocolate, and even fresh fruit smoothies. As for food, they serve delicious cakes and a variety of …

Café BUN

Embark on a global coffee journey with an array of high-quality selections from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Kenya at Café Bun. Thanks to its location, in one of the busy shopping streets in Montpellier, this café is a great spot for a session of …

Bars & Nightlife

Montpellier’s large student population sets the tone for its vibrant nightlife. There are quite a few dance clubs, as well as concept bars that are not afraid to break away from convention and put unexpected twists on old familiar favourites. The warm evenings and relaxed atmosphere make Montpellier one of France’s nicest cities for an evening out; many of the bars and clubs are located around Place Jean Jaurés in the Old Town. When in town, remember to savour the locally produced Languedoc wines and champagne.

Rockstore

Rockstore is a traditional rock club hosting live performances by local and international bands, as well as tribute acts. In addition to dynamic live gigs, the club features DJ sets, ensuring a diverse and energetic atmosphere. There’s no risk of missing the entrance to Rockstore: above it, a suspended bright red Cadillac looks like …

Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub

Fitzpatrick's is a warm and friendly Irish pub conveniently located just a stone's throw from Place de la Comédie. It offers, as expected, Guinness along with a diverse selection of beers. Plus, sports broadcasts and live Irish music every Friday. Whether enjoying your favourite brew or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere on its terrace, …

Los Parigos

Known for its hip vibe, Los Parigos is a lively bar in the heart of Montpellier. It gets very busy at night, teeming with customers both inside its compact space and in the seating area outside. It offers a decent selection of bistro food and drinks (wine and cocktails are a …

Couleurs de Bières

It's all about the beer at this (rather compact) bar, which packs quite a punch with its 800 bottled beer varieties and several drafts on tap. Some say the place's selection is some of the best in France. When the weather permits, a small outside seating area is …

Délirium Café

Délirium Café is a famous bar from Brussels boasting a vast selection of beers, including Trappists, renowned Belgian Abbeys, and unique flavours like chocolate, banana, and coconut. From strong dark brews to fruity or lighter options, the menu spans Belgium and the world. The ambience is adorned with brewery memorabilia, offering a lively setting …

Game Taverne

If a board game night sounds like your idea of fun, then give the Game Taverne a try. The establishment contains hundreds of games of various genres and can accommodate small and large parties in its impressive two-storey space with sofas. At Game Taverne, patrons can indulge in creative creative cocktails and tapas-style bar …

The Shakespeare

Housed in a sumptuous 14th-century building, The Shakespeare is a beloved British pub in Montpellier, particularly popular among students. Known for its incredible deals on alcoholic drinks and cocktails, the pub boasts a selection of traditional ales and lagers. Adding to its appeal, The Shakespeare regularly hosts trivia nights in English and provides dart …

Shopping

Rue de la Loge is Montpellier's ultimate High Street, and the post-modern Polygone just east of Place de la Comédie is a three-storey open-air mall full of everything from designer fashions to deli foods. Halles Laissac and Halles Castellane are two good-covered food markets next to each other by Place Jean Jaurés. Obligatory purchases include cheese, olives, and regional wines.