Montpellier : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Montpellier

Want to discover Montpellier for a weekend or a sunny holiday? Here are the must-sees, must-dos and must-explores in this vibrant city in the south of France.

Place de la Comédie - The lively heart of the city, perfect for a terrace break.
Center historique - Cobbled streets, medieval alleyways and charming boutiques.
Promenade du Peyrou - Superb panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere at sunset.
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre - Majestic and unique, with its two monumental towers.
Musée Fabre - A must for lovers of classical and contemporary art.
Jardin des Plantes - Ideal for a green stroll, among rare plants and ancient trees.
Quartier Antigone - A touch of neo-antique architecture by Ricardo Bofill.
Designer tramway - Yes, even transport is a curiosity in Montpellier!

Nearby beaches - Palavas, Carnon or Maguelone are just 20 minutes from the center.

Porte de Peyrou in Montpellier

Montpellier Tramway

Montpellier historic center

Activities

Want to experience Montpellier differently? Discover our selection of excursions, guided tours and unique experiences to explore the city and its surroundings in a new light.

When to go to Montpellier

The best time to visit Montpellier is from May to June and from September to early October. The weather is pleasant, with mild, sunny temperatures that lend themselves to strolling or visiting nearby beaches without the summer crowds - even the October sun can be charming! A hot, dry July or August is an ideal time for seaside vacations, with plenty to do, but it also means that tourist sites are very busy and prices are at their highest. If you're looking for value for money in travel and accommodation, March, April and November offer quieter off-peak travel weeks and lower accommodation prices, although expect variable weather conditions. In winter, Montpellier is lively but much less touristy, mainly because of the weather. But there's still plenty to do, and it should still be warm enough to stroll around the city, even if the evenings are a little cooler for going out in comfort! To sum up, mid-season is certainly the best choice, offering the best ratio between price, climate and tourist numbers!

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Montpellier is a relatively economical destination, especially for travelers who want to discover the south of France without breaking the bank. For a start, accommodation is relatively inexpensive, with options starting from €60 for two people per night, cheap restaurants between €10 and €20 per meal, and inexpensive public transport. So it's possible to visit the city on a budget. If you prefer to stay in greater comfort, the offer becomes more comfortable, as it features mid-range hotels and quality gastronomy. What's more, activities and visits, depending on your preferences, range from €10 to €90, making for a very flexible stay that can be adapted to your wishes and budget. The average budget in Montpellier is between €75 and €286 per day per person, depending on the style of travel.

One night in a hotel for 2 people

60€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

10€21€50€

Local beer (33cl)

3.5€5€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

40€75€200€

Bottle of water

1€2€5€

Public transport single ticket

1€1.9€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

1.5€

Visits and activities

10€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 75.00€ to 286.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Start at Place de la Comédie, the colorful city center, and enjoy a coffee at a terrace table. Then lose yourself in the medieval streets of the Écusson, Montpellier's historic center, in search of small squares, local boutiques and listed townhouses. Stop off at the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, before continuing on to the Musée Fabre (a must for art lovers!).

For lunch, buy your meal on the terrace of one of the many low-cost restaurants in the city center (Mediterranean cuisine or regional specialties), before spending a lazy afternoon in the Jardin des Plantes.

After this moment of relaxation, it's time to walk to the Promenade du Peyrou for a panoramic view (and photo) of the Promenade and the aqueduct.

To round off the day, enjoy a drink in the lively Saint-Roch district or, weather permitting, take a short trip to the nearest beach to watch the sun set.

Practical information about Montpellier

Montpellier is easy to reach by train with its main station regularly served by TGV trains out of Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Montpellier-Méditerranée airport has a good number of flights to major French and European cities. Once in the city, Montpellier is predominantly pedestrian friendly, making it easy to explore by foot, particularly in the historic center. There is also a modern tramway network (4 lines), which is reliable and will get you to the further neighborhoods or beaches. The climate is considered Mediterranean: hot and dry in summer, mild in winter. It is important to bring light clothing for summer, but at the same time good walking shoes for the cobblestone streets. In terms of safety, Montpellier is mostly safe, but as with all major cities you should remain aware of your surroundings in crowded situations. Lastly, many museums, monuments and transport options have discounts for students and young people, so look for them!