Are you looking for things to do in Montpellier? Then continue reading!
Montpellier, the city that has, and always will have, a piece of my heart. And after reading this, maybe she’ll take some of yours too.
Montpellier is a French city, situated on the Mediterranean coast, just a few hours from the Spanish border.
Sometimes referred to as “The Real South of France” due to its dissimilarity to the Cote d’Azur region, Montpellier is a traditional French city with a touch of Mediterranean class.
The 7th largest city in France, Montpellier is known for its young, student population.
With over 50% of the city’s inhabitants under the age of 35, Montpellier might just be one of the youngest, hippest and trendiest places you’ll visit in France.
But what is there to see and do in Montpellier? More than you might think!
Things to Do in Montpellier
1. Get Lost in The Narrow Streets
I’ve lived here now for over a year and I still can’t figure my way around the city, but do you know what? I don’t think I want to.
Part of the charm of the beautiful Montpellier old town is getting lost down a narrow street full of tiny boutique shops, surrounded by beautiful architecture.
2. Go Sightseeing
Montpellier prides itself on its rich architectural history. So if sightseeing is your thing, then you’re in luck.
Montpellier even has its own little tourist train that (somehow) manages to fit down the narrow, bendy roads and takes you around the beautiful sights – all with commentary in the language of your choice.
When it comes to sightseeing in Montpellier I recommend checking out:
- Porte & Promenade du Peyrou
- Saint Clément Aqueduct
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre (Montpellier Cathedral)
- Esplanade de l’Europe
- City Hall
- Place de la Comédie
- Boulevard du Jeu de Paume
These are definitely the main sights not to miss on a trip to Montpellier.
3. Experience One of the Many Events
There is always something going on in Montpellier.
In May, Montpellier hosts both the FISE (Festival International Sports Extreme) and the Battle of The Year breakdancing competition, both famous international competitions.
In the Summer months, Montpellier has its Estivales: every Friday, local food vendors, musicians, and winemakers get together at the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle and here you can sample the Languedoc’s world-class wines and snack on tasty street food.
And in July, Montpellier’s annual Gay Pride takes place. You can expect it to be as fabulous as the city itself!
There are so many more events in Montpellier so it’s worth checking out the full agenda before you plan a visit.
4. Watch the Dancers, Musicians and Magicians at Place De La Comédie
Place De La Comédie is the city’s meeting point and is the central hub of Montpellier.
As well as the beautiful Comedie Opera House and the 3 Graces fountain, Comedie is where you’ll find the talented street artists.
Every day you’ll experience something new, whether its Brazilian Samba dancing, Breakdancing, Magic Shows, Singers, Musicians – you’ll always find a free performance in Place de la Comedie.
5. Escape the City and Head into Nature
Lakes, beaches, and green spaces are all just a short walk, tram ride, or a cycle away from the city center.
I love heading to Lac du Cres to relax around a beautiful blue lake, Maison de la Nature for its wildlife, or heading to the beaches at La Grande Motte, Palavas-Les-Flots and Carnon-Plage.
If you’re heading to the beach, don’t forget to check out the pop-up bars on the beachfront – expensive, but great atmosphere.
If you do have a car and want to travel a little further out, then you can spend an active day out hiking the Pic Saint-Loup mountain.
6. Check Out the Museums
France is known for its artwork and Montpellier is no different.
The most famous museum in Montpellier is the Musée Fabre which houses Europe’s richest art collection.
But that’s not the only museum in Montpellier. There are over 10 different museums in the city center alone.
So whether you’re interested in photography, history, medicine, or paintings – there’s a museum for you to explore.
You can find a complete list of museums in Montpellier here.
7. Take a Picnic to Promenade Du Peyrou
Slightly overshadowed by the popularity of Place de la Comedie, Promenade Du Peyrou is another of Montpellier’s main meeting spots.
It’s the perfect place for a picnic, thanks to the park benches, trees, grassy spaces and beautiful historical monuments.
This place has so much atmosphere. Here you’ll find groups of friends playing petanque, busking, runners, acrobats, and such a wide range of people/groups.
Oh, and it also has the most perfect sunset view across the outskirts of the city!
8. Buy at the Brocante
France is known for its many flea markets or brocantes and Montpellier certainly keeps to tradition with almost daily markets across the city.
My favorite flea market to visit in Montpellier has to be at the Marché Du Lez.
Situated on the banks of the rive du lez (lez river), Marché Du Lez is the hipster hangout of Montpellier. The flea market is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10-7 and hosts 20 local professionals showcasing their second-hand treasures.
9. Take a Break From the City at Château de Flaugergues & Its Gardens
Tucked just outside the center of Montpellier lies the elegant Château de Flaugergues, a 17th-century mansion set within beautiful gardens and vineyards.
After a morning exploring the narrow streets of the Old Town, treat yourself to a quieter afternoon here.
Book a guided tour or simply wander the gardens with a picnic.
You’ll find fewer tourists here, plus you’ll get a touch of that historic French countryside flavour just minutes away from the buzz of central Montpellier.
10. Feel Like a Local at Marché des Arceaux
Every Tuesday and Saturday morning there’s this nice local market. In fact, on Saturday mornings you’ll often find me here.
The lively Marché des Arceaux is a favourite with locals for fresh produce, artisan stalls, and casual eats.
Think early-morning farmers’ market energy, basket-laden locals, freshly baked bread, and seasonal fruit stands that don’t just cater to tourists.
If you want a taste of Montpellier beyond the café terraces, this is your spot. Grab pastries, chat with a cheese vendor, pick up local rosé for later, and soak in a genuine local scene.
11. Eat and Drink in Montpellier
It’s hard to recommend any one place because there are so many restaurants, bars and cafes in Montpellier to choose from. A few of my favorites are:
Le Parfum – Incredible Cocktails
If your trip has a good-sized budget then you have to check out the cocktails at Le Parfum.
The decor here is incredible, the staff is friendly and the cocktails are to die for.
Gabriel, Créateur de Gourmandises – The Best Patisserie
Gabriel, Créateur de Gourmandises is my favorite patisserie in the city.
Whether you just want to start your day with a simple coffee and a croissant or are looking for incredible pastry, you can find it here!
El Chivito – Tacos & More
Thanks to its proximity to Spain, many of Montpellier’s restaurants have a strong Latino influence.
One of my favorites is El Chivito.
If you like tacos, fajitas, and all things Latin American, then you’ll love this restaurant.
Green Lab – For Vegetarian Food on a Budget
Green Lab is a great Falafel restaurant, perfect for vegetarians on a budget.
Tasty, healthy, and great portion sizes.
Comptoir de l’Arc – For the Best Happy Hour
I spend a lot of time here thanks to their tasty food and long happy hours.
Drinks in Montpellier are expensive, but it’s worth looking around for happy hour offers.
Where to Stay in Montpellier
Finding somewhere to stay in Montpellier is easy.
If you have a large budget and are looking for some city center luxury, then I’d suggest the Pullman Hotel with their beautiful rooftop pool, or the Courtyard Marriott Hotel which is right next to the famously designed city hall.
For smaller budgets, there are plenty of 3* city center hotels in Montpellier, perfect for a weekend break of exploring. I particularly recommend the Hotel de la Comédie for its proximity to the city center’s action.
Also Read: The 5 Most Important Things to Look For When Booking a Hotel Room
How to Get Around Montpellier
One of the things I love about Montpellier is how easy it is to get around.
The historic center is compact and mostly pedestrianized, so you’ll probably spend much of your time wandering its narrow cobblestone streets on foot, which is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.
If you’d like to explore a little further, the Vélomagg bike-sharing system is a fun and affordable way to move around the city and along the Lez River.
Montpellier’s tram network is also excellent. Four lines connect most of the city and nearby districts. A single ticket costs around €1.60, and you can buy and validate tickets via the M’Ticket TaM app. Just remember to validate your ticket when you board!
From Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport, it’s easy to reach the city center in about 30 minutes using the shuttle bus. Taxis and rideshares like Uber are also available but can be pricey during peak times.
If you’re planning day trips to beaches like Palavas-les-Flots or La Grande-Motte, public transport works well in summer, though schedules are limited outside the high season.
For more flexibility, consider renting a car. Just keep in mind that parking in the old town is limited and expensive, so if you rent a car I recommend booking a hotel that offers parking. Alternatively, using one of the park-and-ride (P+Tram) lots on the city’s edge is also a solution.
Local tip: if you’ll be using public transport several times, buy a carnet of 10 tickets instead of singles. It’s cheaper and saves you time.
Enjoy your trip to Montpellier!
I hope this guide has given you an idea of the best things to do in Montpellier, and that you will love the city as much as I do!
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Map of What to See and Do in Montpellier
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