Musée du Vieux Montpellier: A Journey Through Time
Discover Montpellier's captivating past at the Musée du Vieux Montpellier, housed in the historic Hôtel de Varennes, showcasing diverse artifacts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, before its closure in early 2025.
The Musée du Vieux Montpellier, nestled in the historic Hôtel de Varennes on Place Pétrarque, offers a captivating glimpse into the city's past. Established in 1970 and later managed by the municipal archives, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, from medieval to 19th-century objects, including art, coins, engravings, and furniture. The building itself, a blend of 13th to 18th-century architecture, adds to the charm. Wander through rooms adorned with 18th-century woodwork and admire the 'Black Virgin,' a 13th-century polychrome wood sculpture. While exploring, discover the stories of Montpellier's notable figures and the events that shaped its identity. The museum provides a unique opportunity to connect with the city's rich heritage and appreciate its evolution over the centuries. Note that the museum is scheduled to close its doors permanently in early 2025, making a visit now all the more important.
A brief summary to Musée du Vieux Montpellier
- 2 Pl. Pétrarque, Montpellier, 34000, FR
- +33467660294
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
- Thursday 10 am-1 pm
- Friday 10 am-1 pm
- Saturday 10 am-1 pm
- Sunday 10 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
- Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Montpellier's historic center, exploring nearby landmarks and attractions.
- Take advantage of the free admission to explore the museum's diverse collections.
Getting There
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Walking
From Place de la Comédie, a central point in Montpellier, walk north along Rue de la Loge. Continue onto Place Jean Jaurès, then turn left onto Rue de l'Ancien Courrier. Turn right onto Place Pétrarque. The Musée du Vieux Montpellier is located on this square. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes and offers a pleasant exploration of the city center.
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Public Transport
The Musée du Vieux Montpellier is easily accessible by tram. Take tram lines 1 or 2 and disembark at the 'Comédie' stop. From there, follow the walking directions above. Alternatively, tram line 4 stops at 'Peyrou – Arc de Triomphe', a slightly longer walk but passing the scenic Arc de Triomphe. A single tram ticket costs €1.60.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from the Montpellier-Saint-Roch train station to the Musée du Vieux Montpellier will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €10-€15 for the ride. Ask the driver to take you to Place Pétrarque.
Discover more about Musée du Vieux Montpellier
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chapel of the White Penitents
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Château d’eau du Peyrou
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Rue du Bras de Fer
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Office de Tourisme & des Congrès Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole
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Pl. Saint-Roch
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Place Du Petit Scel
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Théâtre Le Point Comédie
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Unicorns Fountain
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Place de La Canourgue
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Monument aux Morts de Montpellier
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Porte du Pila Saint Gély
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Montpellier Cathedral
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Best Western Hotel Le Guilhem
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Court of Appeal of Montpellier
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La Tour de la Babote
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Unmissable attractions to see
Musée Fougau
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Galerie Nicolas-Xavier
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Statue de Jean Jaurès
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Place Jean Jaurès
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Place du Marché aux Fleurs
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Languedoc Museum
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Ancien Cinéma Historique
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Musée des arts décoratifs Sabatier d'Espeyran
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Musée Fabre
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Notre-Dame des Tables Church
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Place Castellane
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Pelouses du Musée Fabre
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Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
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Statue and fountain of Fauré Carole - Place Chabaneau
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La Panacée
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Essential places to dine
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MaMaison
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Le Tire Bouchon - Restaurant Montpellier
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Les Vignes Montpellier
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Le 1789 Restaurant - Bar
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Restaurant La Place
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Balthazar café & restaurant
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Grand Café Riche
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Blackeys
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L'artichaut
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Le Yam's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Avenue des roses
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Shop Lisa
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Les Créatures
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METROPOLITAN CONCEPT STORE
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Billabong
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Pomme de Reinette et Pomme d'Api
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Madagasc'Arts
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Des Filles à la Vanille
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UNIQLO MONTPELLIER
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Images de Demain
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Coqueline Boutique
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Ma Boutique Alternative
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People's Rag
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EXCALIBUR - Magasin de Jeux de Société - Montpellier
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Foot Locker
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Shakespeare
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Hossegor Bar
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Espit Chupitos Montpellier
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Los Parigos
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PARIGOS
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Le Petit Nice
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Kraken bar
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Black Out
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THE MUSTANG MONTPELLIER
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Bonsoir Cocktail Bar
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LA RAFFINERIE
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Café du Théâtre
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Le Rebuffy
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Bar Le Foch
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La Distillerie
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