Montpellier, France Travel Guide

Discover Montpellier: A perfect blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and modern vibrancy in the heart of Southern France.

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Montpellier

Montpellier, located in the south of France, is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Montpellier is home to beautiful medieval streets, stunning architecture, and a lively arts scene. Walking through the old town, you will find narrow, winding lanes lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and historical landmarks. One of the city's highlights is the Place de la Comédie, a bustling square that serves as the heart of Montpellier. Here, you can relax at an outdoor café and watch street performers entertain the crowd. The square is also home to the Opéra Comédie, a grand 19th-century opera house that adds to the city's cultural appeal. Montpellier is also renowned for its educational institutions, particularly the University of Montpellier, one of the oldest in the world. The university's botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, is a serene spot perfect for a leisurely stroll. Additionally, the city's numerous museums, such as the Musée Fabre, offer a deep dive into art and history. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Montpellier provides easy access to the Mediterranean coast. A short drive will take you to beautiful beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy water sports. The city's location also makes it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding Languedoc-Roussillon region, known for its vineyards and picturesque villages.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Montpellier.

Visit the Place de la Comédie early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful coffee.
Take advantage of the city's extensive tram network to easily explore different neighborhoods.
Don't miss the local markets, such as Marché des Arceaux, for fresh produce and regional specialties.
Consider renting a bike to explore the city's many parks and green spaces.
Visit the nearby beaches during weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.

Neighbourhoods in Montpellier

Comédie

Antigone

Historic Center

Port Marianne

Ecusson

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Montpellier

Explore Montpellier: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Montpellier

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Place de la Comédie

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Place de la Comédie, Montpellier's historical landmark filled with culture, entertainment, and scenic beauty.

4.5

Montpellier Zoological Park

Explore Montpellier Zoological Park, a family-friendly zoo offering a diverse animal experience and a commitment to wildlife conservation in the heart of Montpellier.

4.1

Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes

Experience the grandeur of the Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes, a historical fortress that unveils the captivating past of medieval France.

4.6

Planet Ocean World

Explore the depths of the ocean at Planet Ocean World in Montpellier, where marine life and education come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Best landmarks in Montpellier

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Maison Carrée

Experience the awe-inspiring Maison Carrée, a Roman temple in Nîmes, France, showcasing timeless architectural beauty and rich history.

4.4

Place de la Comédie

Discover the charm of Montpellier at Place de la Comédie, a historical landmark that offers vibrant culture and stunning architecture in the city center.

4.5

Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle

Discover the beauty of Montpellier at Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, a scenic promenade perfect for relaxation, cultural experiences, and stunning views.

4.3

Jardin des plantes de Montpellier

Explore the lush beauty and historical charm of Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier, a serene botanical garden in the heart of the city.

4.4

Best restaurants in Montpellier

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Les Fils À Maman Montpellier

Experience delightful French cuisine at Les Fils À Maman Montpellier - where traditional flavors meet modern flair in an inviting setting.

4.5

Casa Di Giorgio - Jean Jaurés Montpellier

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Casa Di Giorgio in Montpellier - where every meal feels like a trip to Italy.

4.5

Hippopotamus Steakhouse

Experience exceptional French cuisine and succulent steaks at Hippopotamus Steakhouse in Montpellier – perfect for families and meat lovers alike.

4.0

Le Petit Jardin Montpellier

Discover Le Petit Jardin in Montpellier: A charming bistro offering exquisite French cuisine amidst a picturesque garden setting.

4.4

Best bars in Montpellier

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Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub in Montpellier, where authentic Irish cuisine meets a lively sports bar ambiance.

4.3

GAME TAVERNE - Bar à jeux & Cocktails

Discover the ultimate blend of gaming and cocktails at GAME TAVERNE in Montpellier, where fun and flavor come together.

4.6

O’Sullivans Pub Montpellier

Discover the heart of Irish culture at O’Sullivans Pub Montpellier, where lively atmosphere meets delicious food and drinks.

3.9

Le Petit Nice

Experience the vibrant charm of Le Petit Nice, a must-visit bar in Montpellier, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Montpellier

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Ayers Rock Montpellier

Unleash your energy at Ayers Rock Montpellier, the ultimate bar and disco club for unforgettable nights in the heart of the city's nightlife.

3.3

Le PANAMA CLUB

Discover the heart of Montpellier's nightlife at Le PANAMA CLUB, where music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences await.

3.0

PZ City Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Montpellier at PZ City Club, where pulsating beats and lively crowds create unforgettable nights.

3.6

Mélomane Club

Mélomane Club: Dive into Montpellier's vibrant nightlife with electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

4.0

Best shops in Montpellier

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Shopping Centre Odysseum

Discover the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience at Odysseum Shopping Centre in Montpellier, featuring shops, restaurants, and attractions for all ages.

4.2

Centre Commercial Le Polygone

Explore Centre Commercial Le Polygone in Montpellier for an exceptional shopping experience with diverse stores and delightful dining options.

4.1

Halles de Sète

Explore Halles de Sète, a vibrant fresh food market showcasing the best of Sète's local produce and culinary heritage.

4.5

Galeries Lafayette

Explore Galeries Lafayette in Montpellier for an unparalleled shopping experience featuring fashion, beauty, and home goods in a stunning setting.

4.0

Explore Montpellier on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Montpellier, mapped for you.

Montpellier Essentials

Montpellier is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL), which is about 7 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the city. Montpellier is also served by high-speed trains (TGV) from Paris, Lyon, and other major French cities. The main train station is Montpellier Saint-Roch, located in the city center. For those driving, Montpellier is accessible via the A9 and A75 motorways.
Montpellier has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses operated by TaM (Transports de l'Agglomération de Montpellier). The tram network consists of four lines that cover most of the city and its suburbs. Buses complement the tram lines and reach areas not served by trams. Tickets can be purchased at tram stops, online, or via mobile apps. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. For a more leisurely way to explore the city, consider renting a bike from the many bike-sharing stations.
The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and many banks offer currency exchange services. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular.
Montpellier is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as Place de la Comédie and train stations. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Some neighborhoods, like La Paillade, have higher crime rates and are best avoided after dark.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the EU-wide emergency number. Montpellier has several hospitals, including Hôpital Lapeyronie and Clinique du Millénaire, which offer medical services. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-medical emergencies, the local police and fire services are reliable and responsive.
Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Avoid overly casual attire, especially when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Religion: Do respect local customs in religious places. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams or buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' (good day) and a handshake. It's customary to say 'Merci' (thank you) when leaving a shop or restaurant. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like oysters, Camargue beef, and various wines. Don't rush your meals; dining is a leisurely activity in France.
To experience Montpellier like a local, visit the Marché des Arceaux, a popular farmers' market held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic Écusson district, filled with narrow streets, boutiques, and cafes. Try to catch a performance or an event at the Opéra Comédie. For a unique experience, take a walk or bike ride along the banks of the Lez River. Engage with locals in French; even basic phrases are appreciated and can enhance your experience.

When is the best time to visit Montpellier?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Montpellier

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Montpellier. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skyoo-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
- Go away!Va-t-en!
  [vah tahng]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh mayd-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhuhst]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay eel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dees uhr ay dem-ee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [katr]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [set]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nurf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Montpellier

Montpellier was founded in the late 10th century by the Counts of Toulouse, making it a relatively young city compared to other French cities. The strategic location between the Rhône River and the Pyrenees helped it grow quickly as a center of commerce and trade.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, Montpellier flourished as a prominent trading hub, particularly known for its fairs and markets. The city became a melting pot of cultures and religions, including Christians, Jews, and Muslims, which contributed to its rich cultural tapestry.
Founded in 1220, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world. It quickly gained a reputation for excellence in medicine, law, and the arts, attracting scholars and students from across Europe.
Like many European cities, Montpellier was severely affected by the Black Death in the 14th century. The population suffered heavy losses, but the city managed to recover and continued to thrive in the following centuries.
In the 16th century, Montpellier became a stronghold for the Huguenots (French Protestants) during the French Wars of Religion. The city was a center of Protestant resistance until the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted religious tolerance.
In 1622, King Louis XIII laid siege to Montpellier during the Huguenot Rebellions. The city held out for two months before surrendering, which led to the dismantling of its fortifications and the construction of the citadel to ensure royal control.
The 18th century saw Montpellier embrace the intellectual and cultural movements of the Enlightenment. The city became a hub for scientific research and intellectual discourse, particularly in the fields of medicine and botany.
The 19th century brought significant modernization to Montpellier. The arrival of the railway in 1839 spurred economic growth, and the city expanded with new neighborhoods, public buildings, and infrastructure projects.
During World War II, Montpellier was initially part of the Vichy regime's Free Zone. However, it was occupied by German forces in 1942. The city played a role in the French Resistance, with many locals participating in clandestine activities against the occupiers.
After World War II, Montpellier experienced rapid growth and urban development. The establishment of new universities and research institutions in the 1960s and 1970s bolstered its reputation as a center of education and innovation.
In recent decades, Montpellier has undergone a cultural renaissance. The city has invested heavily in the arts, with new museums, theaters, and cultural festivals. The historic center has been revitalized, blending its rich history with modern urban living.