Montpellier is a charming city located in the south of France and boasts a lovely Meditteranean climate. Moreover, it’s a city with a rich history, stunning neoclassical buildings, beautiful cathedrals, and vibrant downtown areas. Since Montpellier has so much to offer, it attracts a large number of tourists. They congregate here because there are so many things to do, such as admiring artworks at Musée Fabre, admiring the beautiful gothic-style architecture of Montpellier Cathedral, and relaxing at the tranquil Charles de Gaulle Esplanade. Check out our amazing guide of things to do in Montpellier, France, and plan your upcoming trip accordingly!
1. Solve a horrific mystery during the Montpellier Ghost Tour (from USD 9.0)
While Montpellier isn’t a particularly spooky place, this ghost tour is about to change that. You’ll be put right in the middle of a horror adventure, and you’ll be tasked with solving specific puzzles using your smartphone. And, you’ll look for clues in various areas and landmarks of Montpellier such as Musée Fabre, Notre-Dame des Tables de Montpellier, and Promenade du Peyrou. Also, you’ll have to listen to gruesome horror stories about the people that used to live at these sites!
Montpellier Highlights Outdoor Escape Game
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Browse through a huge collection at Musée Fabre
Musée Fabre is the biggest art museum in Montpellier and with over 800 works of art on exhibition. The building’s exterior is impressive, as it’s a well-maintained French mansion that exudes a regal quality. Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by amazing art collections, which include both local and international masterworks. And since there are over 50 rooms packed with contemporary and historical art pieces, you’ll likely spend much time here. There are also several coffee shops and eateries nearby, so you don’t have to rush back to the hotel or city center when hungry.
Musée Fabre
Address: 39 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Musée Fabre
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 - 8 USD
3. Pose to take a photo in front of the Promenade of Peyrou
Since Montpellier is filled with many notable landmarks, you’ll never run out of places to take photos of yourself standing in front of these. One of the best places to take photos is none other than the Promenade of Peyrou that boasts an old-world charm. You may even want to take the perfect shot of yourself standing next to the statue of Louis XIV on horseback, and then post it on Instagram. Once you’re done, chill out at the nearby park as there’s plenty of clean benches here.
Promenade du Peyrou
Address: 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Promenade du Peyrou
Opening hours: 7am - 9:30pm (daily)
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4. Walk past the bars and restaurants at Place de la Comédie
Place de la Comédie, or comedy square if you prefer, is a vibrant part of Montpellier that’s always brimming with people. Tourists, in particular, love visiting this space for all the photo opportunities featuring beautiful surroundings. It’s also one of Europe’s largest pedestrian paths making it a great place for taking strolls, especially past the many bars, shops, and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Moreover, this is where you’ll come across the magnificently crafted Fountain of the Three Graces and the many street artists that perform nearby.
Place de la Comédie
Address: Place de la Comédie, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Place de la Comédie
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Gaze at the gothic-style architecture of Montpellier Cathedral
This Roman Catholic church was originally a monastery dating back to the 14th century. However, its status changed to a cathedral in the 16th century and also suffered significant damages during the wars between Catholics and Protestants. After being rebuilt in the 17th century, the cathedral boasts a stunning gothic-style that’s both iconic and imposing. If you only have time to visit a single landmark during your trip to Montpellier, then make sure that it’s this one.
Montpellier Cathedral
Address: Rue Saint-Pierre, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Montpellier Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 12pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm (closed on Sun)
6. Check out the interesting exhibitions at Pavillon Populaire
If you have even a passing interest in photography, then you may want to check out the Pavillon Populaire. This space specializes in curated contemporary photography from renowned local and international artists. Since the quality bar is set so high, it’s not surprising that Pavillon Populaire attracts large crowds during exhibitions held throughout the year. The building is owned and operated by the local municipality, and access to the public is free of charge.
Pavillon Populaire
Address: Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Pavillon Populaire
Opening hours: 11am - 1pm, 2pm - 7pm (daily)
7. Plan a day out with the kids at Montpellier Zoological Park
If there’s one attraction that your kids will love visiting, it’s Montpellier Zoological Park. Most kids love animals, and they’re bound to learn a lot about our furry friends here. The zoo features over 500 animals, which include anacondas, anteaters, bats, bears, birds, camels, cheetahs, frogs, ibises, iguanas, lions, lizards, monkeys, sheep, spiders, turtles, wolves, and zebras, to name a few. The zoo also features a greenhouse that was erected in 2007, and there’s plenty of plant life here for you and your family to discover.
Montpellier Zoological Park
Address: 50 Avenue Agropolis, 34090 Montpellier, France
Website: Montpellier Zoological Park
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 4 - 8 USD
8. See the exquisite interiors with paintings historic furniture and five Flemish tapestries at the Château de Flaugergues
Château de Flaugergues is a stunningly beautiful mansion that boasts manicured gardens, a sculptured staircase, and impressive Flemish tapestries. The mansion isn’t very large, so it won’t take too long to walk around the premises and have a look around. We recommend that you book a tour that focuses on a specific aspect of the premises, such as wine tasting. But we urge you to take a tour through the castle’s gorgeous gardens, which are bound to impress and make you want to stay in this wonderland that seems like a fairy tale setting come to life.
Château de Flaugergues
Address: 1744 Avenue Albert Einstein, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Château de Flaugergues
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 7pm
Price: 11 USD
9. Come across 400 species in Aquarium Mare Nostrum
At Shopping Centre Odysseum, you’ll find the impressive Aquarium Mare Nostrum, or Planet Ocean World as it’s better known nowadays. It’s a modern and forward-looking aquarium that features interactive exhibits and immersive simulator rides of the ocean. You’ll be able to view and learn about a plethora of sea life, and there’s even an exhibit about outer space that’s just as enthralling.
Planet Ocean World
Address: Centre commercial Odysseum, Allée Ulysse, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Planet Ocean World
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 19 - 21 USD
10. Take a leisurely stroll along Jardin des plantes de Montpellier
Montpellier has a plethora of amazing green spaces that you need to discover and explore. One of our favorites is Jardin des plantes de Montpellier, which serves as an arboretum and botanical garden. Also, it’s France’s oldest botanical garden since it was established in 1593 during the reign of King Henri IV. You’ll find a wide range of plants, ferns, trees, and various other species here such as aquatic plants, Bromeliaceae, Cinnamomum camphora, Cupressus sempervirens, Delphinium requienii, French Guiana, Linaria reflexa, Modiola caroliniana, Orchidaceae, Stipa trichotoma, and Zelkova serrata, to name a few.
Jardin des plantes de Montpellier
Address: Boulevard Henri IV, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Jardin des plantes de Montpellier
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)
11. Stop by the street art throwing style and colors to this beautiful city
Like all populated urban centers, Montpellier has plenty of striking graffiti and street art adorning the walls of many buildings. While graffiti can look quite ugly and detracts from a city’s beauty, one can still find expertly sprayed murals and other forms of street art that draw attention. That’s why we recommend you bring your camera or smartphone along when walking around Montpellier, and keep a lookout for those colorful and edgy images that adorn alleys and sidewalls of buildings.
Street Art Montpellier
Address: Montpellier, France
Website: Street Art Montpellier
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Pay a visit to Odysseum and admire the stunning rail station
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
France has an excellent public transportation system, and that’s one of the reasons why Montpellier’s Odysseum is so impressive. It’s a modern rail station that’s easily accessible to the public and affordable. What we like is that you can reach it by foot, taxi, or tram, and you can conveniently catch a train to Montpellier St. Roch and other parts of France. And, considering that Montpellier has a large number of students living here, this rail station makes it easy for them to get around.
Odysseum
Address: 34000 Montpellier, France
13. Browse through the art exhibits in the Carré Sainte Anne museum
Carré Sainte Anne museum was formerly a stunning neo-Gothic cathedral that has been transformed. While it no longer functions as a church, one can still admire the eye-catching architecture of the building. However, you’ll probably be visiting to check out the many impressive exhibits that push boundaries and challenge perceptions of what art means to us in the modern age. Masterpieces from renowned artists such as Combas, Desgrandchamps, Di Rosa, Garouste, Gérard Othoniel, Ocampo, and Pagès have been displayed in the past, and you can expect many interesting exhibits in the future.
Carré Sainte Anne
Address: 2 Rue Philippy, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Carré Sainte Anne
14. Visit the observatory house at La Tour de la Babote tower
La Tour de la Babote tower opened back in 1363 and made quite an impression due to its ramparts. A few centuries later, the Royal Academy of Sciences moved forward with establishing an astronomical observatory on the very same premises. By 1745, the tower was elevated further to be used as an observatory and to allow physicist to conduct their experiments. Nowadays, the tower is home to the local chess club and has also become a popular tourist destination.
La Tour de la Babote
Address: 17 Boulevard de l'Observatoire, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: La Tour de la Babote
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Thu: 10am - 7pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
15. Unwind and relax in the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle park
If you want to take a stroll or just looking for a place to relax, then Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle is worth a visit. It’s a beautiful and spacious park with enough benches and plenty of trees lining the main pathway. Also, there’s bars, cafes, and food stalls in the immediate vicinity, so you’ll never have to go without food or drink. Young people often congregate here after a football match or during the evenings after a party. Do keep in mind that the park is usually kept clean, but don’t be surprised if you find litter when the area gets crowded.
Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
Address: 8 Avenue du Pont Juvénal, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Charles de Gaulle Esplanade
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Take a tour of Musée et conservatoire d'anatomie
There’s no denying that the human anatomy is incredibly fascinating. While we can learn a lot about the body in biology class or by following certain YouTube videos, nothing beats visiting an actual museum that focussed specifically on this subject matter. And if you happen to be in Montpellier, then do take some time out of your day to visit Musée et conservatoire d'anatomie. This museum dates back to the late 18th century and houses various castings, wax pieces, exhibits, and surgical instruments.
Musée et conservatoire d'anatomie
Address: Montpellier Centre, 2 Rue de l'École de Médecine, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Musée et conservatoire d'anatomie
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 1:30pm - 5:45pm (closed Fri - Mon)
17. Go ice skating with friends at Patinoire Vegapolis
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Patinoire Vegapolis on Wednesday, July 21, 2021
There’s no shortage of great recreational options in Montpellier. If you’re looking for something fun to do for a couple of hours, then we recommend a visit to Patinoire Vegapolis. And no, this isn’t some kind of vegan joint, it’s actually an ice park that offers participants several activities and tracks for young and old. There’s a sports track built around Olympic skating specifications and a fun skating rink that’s aimed at kids. A few of the activities that one can partake in include an ice school, ice karting, and hockey.
Patinoire Vegapolis
Address: Centre Commercial Régional, 1 Place de la Petite France, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Patinoire Vegapolis
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5:30pm; Sat: 2pm - 5:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 6 - 32 USD
18. Have a look inside La Serre Amazonienne greenhouse
When you visit Montpellier Zoological Park and find yourself with an hour or two to spare, then head over next door to La Serre Amazonienne greenhouse. Here, you’ll come across a plethora of fascinating Amazonian plants and meandering pathways for you to wander around. The greenhouse is modern and well-built, and it’s the perfect place to learn about these fascinating tropical plants while also watching animals such as birds, monkeys, reptilians, and many more coexist in this carefully controlled habitat. This is perhaps a great attraction for children.
La Serre Amazonienne
Address: 50 Avenue Agropolis, 34090 Montpellier, France
Website: La Serre Amazonienne
Opening hours: 1:30pm - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 4 - 8 USD
19. Admire the beautiful architecture of Notre-Dame des Tables de Montpellier
Notre-Dame des Tables de Montpellier is a striking baroque church that boasts impressive interiors with great acoustics. There’s also a strong Arabian and Spanish influence on architecture, which only adds to the church’s allure. It’s not the most popular of tourist attractions, but this isn’t entirely a bad thing as you can spend some quality time here without having to rush or trying to avoid large crowds. We recommend that you visit the church late in the afternoon, as this is usually the time that it opens.
Notre-Dame des Tables de Montpellier
Address: 43 Rue de l'Aiguillerie, 34000 Montpellier, France
20. Click Instagram-worthy pictures at Fountain of the Three Graces
One of the most popular landmarks in Montpellier is the Fountain of the Three Graces due to its central location. But it’s also an incredibly eye-catching sculpture that was created in 1790 by Étienne d’ Antoine. It features a centerpiece that depicts the Three Graces, and on its moss-covered base, there are depictions of cherubs. Be sure to bring along your camera or smartphone to take snapshots of the fountain at different angles. Do keep in mind that this area is easily accessible via public transport, and there are many locals, tourists, and street artists that frequent this particular spot. If you are here with kids, this is a great spot because of its open spaces and definitely the fountain!
Fountain of the Three Graces
Address: 7 Place de la Comédie, 34000 Montpellier, France
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
21. Unleash your dogs at the Park area of Meric
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Hidden away in Montpellier’s nearby woods, one can find the charming chateau and farmhouse known as Domaine de Méric. The residence was made famous by the 19th-century Impressionist painting done by Frédéric Bazille. It features a labyrinth-like garden with paths, terraces, slopes, and orchards, making for an incredibly inviting environment that needs to be explored, especially during the summertime. This is a great idea for a family day out.
Park area of Meric
Address: 552 - 634 Rue de Ferran, 34090 Montpellier, France
Website: Park area of Meric
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
22. Try authentic French cuisine at Le Passé Composé
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Le Passé Composé on Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Visiting Montpellier or any French city without trying the local cuisine would be a waste. There are many great restaurants in this vibrant city, but we recommend Le Passé Composé for its authentic and tasty dishes. The restaurant’s attentive and passionate staff members will help you and your entourage have a memorable dining experience. Do try out their mouthwatering Rouget mariné aux agrumes, Médaillon de boeuf, and Mousse au chocolat noir, and wash that down with a refreshing Cave de Berlou, Clairette Moelleuse, or Domaine De L'Hortus.
Le Passé Composé
Address: 20 Rue des Écoles Laïques, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Le Passé Composé
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun)
23. Gulp down various interesting drinks at Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!
Posted by Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub on Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Fitzpatrick’s Irish Pub is a charming bar that gives Montpellier’s locals and out-of-town visitors a taste of Ireland. It features both indoor and outdoor seating, and the owners have set out to create an amazing atmosphere by offering excellent service, tasty brews, and cheerful Irish music. Do try out their amazing microbrewed beers, ciders, IPAs, and wines, and get there early when there’s a major sporting event or during a national holiday. The pub always celebrates Bastille Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s, and important football matches by throwing parties with live musicians. This is a must-visit for those traveling in groups.
Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub
Address: 5 Place Saint-Come, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Fitzpatrick’s Irish Pub
Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)
24. Hit the dance floor at Le Fizz disco club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
/ Samedi 07 Mars - HAPPINESS . . . . . . __ #LeFizz #Bar #Club #Montpellier #Weekend #Samedi #SamediSoir #Happiness #Party
Posted by Le Fizz on Saturday, March 7, 2020
If you want to party and dance the night away, then check out the popular Le Fizz disco. It’s a bit on the small side, so get there early to avoid waiting in line for too long. Le Fizz’s interior is minimal yet stylish with good use of lighting that helps maximize the space. Do keep in mind that the music played here is quite mainstream, so you may want to consider another venue if you have more eclectic tastes. This is a good place for those used to the party scenes and just need a stage to groove the night away!
Le Fizz
Address: 4 Rue Cauzit, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Le Fizz
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11:50pm - 5am (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 14 USD
25. Watch a movie with a bucket of popcorn at Cinémas Diagonal
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
[Dernière séance + Instagram] Merci à nos derniers spectateurs On se retrouve au plus vite, en attendant on a...
Posted by Cinéma Diagonal on Thursday, October 29, 2020
After spending some time in Montpellier and visiting its key attractions, you may want to try out something different, like watching a movie in a film theatre. If that’s the case, then head over to Cinémas Diagonal to watch an entertaining movie on the silver screen. And since this is a French cinema, many of the films shown here are French made and arthouse fare. Now, if you’re visiting the cinema with the kids, then you’re in luck as they also feature a dedicates children’s cinema that focuses predominantly on exciting European animated shows.
Cinémas Diagonal
Address: 5 Rue de Verdun, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Cinémas Diagonal
26. Enjoy a bowling night with friends at Bowling de Montpellier
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Loin des pistes mais près du Nous sommes toujours actuellement fermés et attendons avec impatience que les choses...
Posted by Bowling de Montpellier on Monday, March 15, 2021
A night out at the bowling alley with friends sound like a good plan, right? Yes, we think so too. So head over to Bowling de Montpellier with your mates for a fun-filled night evening. Here, you’ll be able to rent bowling balls, shoes, and accessories, and you can even partake in competitions and tournaments if you’re up for the challenge. But if bowling isn’t your thing, then no worries, as this venue also features arcade games, billiards, and darts. And if your birthday or any other special occasion is coming up, then this is the perfect place to celebrate it.
Bowling de Montpellier
Address: 662 Avenue de la Pompignane, 34000 Montpellier, France
Website: Bowling de Montpellier
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 2pm - 11pm; Tue - Sat: 2pm - 12am
Price: 3 - 14 USD
27. Explore Montpellier’s culinary culture on a guided walking tour (from USD 94.0)
Montpellier is somewhat of a paradise for food aficionados. That’s why we recommend this amazing guided walking tour through the city’s most significant food spots. The tour guide will expose you to Montpellier’s tastiest cheese, chocolate, olive oil, pastries, wine, and other delicacies. Also, you’ll meet the many friendly dealers and producers at the local food market that’ll showcase their tasty treats! But do keep in mind that this tour aims to serve smaller groups that don’t exceed eight people.
Montpellier 3-Hour Gourmet Walking Tour with Tastings
Duration: 3 hours
28. Discover Montpellier old and new and see more of the city’s highlights in less time (from USD 51.0)
There’s no better way to explore a new place than with a Segway. Not only is this a great way to transverse large distances without getting tired, but it’s also incredibly fun. But apart from the convenience, there’s also a sense of camaraderie when you take part in a Segway tour of the city with other like-minded folks. And, this tour of Montpellier will have you visit several of the city’s attractions such as the Esplanade, Montpellier Cathedral, Place de la Comédie, and Porte du Peyrou. Furthermore, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide that will reveal many interesting historical facts about these attractions.
Old and New Montpellier Small-Group Segway Tour
Duration: 2 hours
29. Explore the Medieval city centre of Montpellier with a guide (from USD 70.0)
Montpellier has plenty of stunning medieval architecture, which you should definitely explore, especially if it’s your first time visiting this fascinating city. That’s why this walking tour is worth booking since it will provide you with a knowledgeable tour guide to show you the city’s most notable landmarks. These include the Arc de Triomphe, Les Halles food market, and Saint-Clement Aqueduct. Also, you’ll pop by the city’s popular food market, which is Les Halles, and be given the opportunity to taste a variety of local foods and wines.
Taste of Montpellier: Montpellier Food and Sighseeing Tour
Duration: 3 hours
A historic city with a wealth of attractions
Montpellier has much to offer to tourists who want to be out and about, constantly discovering new places. Whether these are art museums, cathedrals, green spaces, important landmarks, pubs, or restaurants, this city is filled with a wealth of attractions.
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