- Place de la Comedie is the beating heart of the city—grab a coffee and people watch.
- The Promenade du Peyrou offers views all the way to the sea and the aqueduct.
- The tram lines were designed by Christian Lacroix—they are moving art.
- It's 10km from the beach (take a tram/bus or bike).
- The medieval streets of L'Ecusson are full of boutiques and hidden squares.
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When to go: Spring or Autumn
It's sunny 300 days a year. May-June and September are perfect.
Summer is hot but great for the beach. Students leave in summer, so it's quieter.
- Best: May-Jun, Sep.
- Summer: Beach time.
- Winter: Mild.
Getting there: Tram or Shuttle
Montpellier Mediterranee Airport (MPL) is close. Take the shuttle bus (Navette) to Place de l'Europe tram stop.
The TGV station (Saint-Roch) is right in the center. The new TGV station (Sud de France) is further out.
- Airport Shuttle: To Tram.
- Train: St Roch (Center).
- Train: Sud de France (Far).
Where to stay: L'Ecusson
Stay in L'Ecusson (the historic center) to be in the middle of everything.
Antigone is modern and neo-classical, designed by Ricardo Bofill.
- L'Ecusson: Historic.
- Antigone: Architecture.
- Beaux-Arts: Bohemian.
What to see: Squares and Gardens
Start at Place de la Comedie. Walk up to the Arc de Triomphe and Peyrou. Visit the Jardin des Plantes (oldest in France).
Get lost in the narrow streets of the old town.
- Comedie: Main square.
- Peyrou: Royal square.
- Jardin des Plantes: Garden.
- Fabre Museum: Art.
Food: Wine and Seafood
You are in Languedoc, the biggest wine region. Wine is cheap and good.
Try Tielle Setoise (spicy octopus pie) from nearby Sete. Oysters are fresh.
- Wine: Languedoc reds.
- Tielle: Octopus pie.
- Oysters: Fresh.
- Grisettes: Honey candy.
Getting around: Tram
The 4 tram lines are beautiful and go everywhere. The center is pedestrian-only.
Biking to the beach is a popular activity (about 45 mins).
- Tram: Designer cars.
- Walk: Center is car-free.
- Bike: To the beach.
Budget: Moderate
Cheaper than Paris or the Cote d'Azur. Student prices for food and drinks.
Many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.
- Food: Student deals.
- Wine: Cheap.
- Transport: Affordable.
1 Day in Montpellier
Morning: Place de la Comedie. Walk through L'Ecusson. Fabre Museum.
Lunch: A terrace in a small square (Place de la Canourgue).
Afternoon: Promenade du Peyrou. Botanical Garden. Tram ride to Antigone.
Evening: Wine bar in the old town.
- Morning: History.
- Afternoon: Gardens.
- Evening: Wine.
FAQ
Is it far from the sea?
About 10km. You can take a tram + bus or bike. It's not *on* the beach.
Is it safe?
Yes, very safe student city.
Why are there so many young people?
It's a huge university city. 1 in 4 residents is a student.