10 Best Things to Do in Montpellier

Officially named Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier, Montpellier Cathedral is a national monument located in the northwest part of the Old Town. Originally dated back to the 14th century, but rebuilt during the 17th century, this impressive Gothic cathedral is unusual in that it resembles a fortress.

Inside, the huge, vaulted ceiling and the stained glass windows gives it a rather gloomy atmosphere, emphasised when the organ is played. A restaurant with terrace offers a nice place for a pause, right next to the front porch of the cathedral.

Place de la Comédie is the heart of Montpellier hosting the opera house at one end and the park Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulles at the other. This vast rectangular square is surrounded by stunning 19th-century buildings. One of the largest pedestrian areas in Europe, it features many bars and restaurants with outdoor terraces. It’s the perfect place for people-watching spots taking the pulse of the city before starting your exploration of this amazing city.

Place de la Comédie is only a stone’s throw away from the Fabre museum and the Pavillon Populaire and surrounded by versatile shopping streets. You can easily catch a tram from Place de la Comédie and head out to discover what Montpellier has to offer.

L’Écusson is the Old Town of Montpellier dating back to the Middle Ages. This picturesque neighbourhood spreads to the west and northwest of the Place de la Comédie. Pedestrianised, it offers pleasant strolls through a broad network of winding streets where you can find quaint boutiques, excellent restaurants, and historical landmarks.

Highlights include the Montpellier Cathedral and the basilica of Notre-Dame-des-Tables. If walking is not your thing, you can visit l’Écusson on the Petit Train de Montpellier (the Little Train of Montpellier) which departs every 30 minutes from the Place de la Comédie between February and October.

Halles Castellane is the main covered market in Montpellier and the heart of local food life. Located in the Old Town, just north of the Place de la Comédie, this spectacular building houses a myriad of stalls and shops selling fresh regional products.

You’ll find cured meat, cheese, wine, and fruits and vegetables, and the scents from the stalls and shops will make your mouth water. Halles Castellane is the perfect spot to shop for picnic essentials or for local delicacies to take home.

Porte du Peyrou (Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier) is an iconic landmark built near the end of the 17th century, a gigantic archway that you can go under or enter. The arch was built to celebrate the glory of the French monarchy of the 1600s, in particular the Sun King Louis XIV, but today it stands in a vast public park. Going inside, you can climb a staircase to visit a rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the entire city.

The Arc is also the entrance to the Peyrou Royal Palace, with easy access to many nearby historic structures and sites to see. It's located in the heart of the Montpellier city centre.

Also known as Place Royale du Peyrou, the Promenade du Peyrou is a scenic esplanade classified as a historic monument. Apart from being a pleasant place for a late-afternoon stroll, the Promenade du Peyrou offers a panoramic view of the city and of the Pyrénées, the chain of mountains that separate France from Spain.

The Arc de Triomphe, Louix the 14th-century equestrian statue and the Saint-Clement Aqueduct were all built between the 17th and 18th centuries, and they are just a few of the notable monuments on this serene promenade.

L’Espiguette beach truly is a unique Languedoc gem and an amazing opportunity to experience pure, unspoilt nature. Located only 15 miles from the bustling streets of Montpellier, the amazing L’Espiguette beach is the perfect getaway from the city life. This serene beach in Le Grau-du-Roi is wide and wild. It boasts secluded dunes, tranquil lagoons, and salty scrubland. It’s a rare find amongst the crowded beaches of the South of France.

You can rent a sunbed for a leisurely day in the sun or take to the waves on a paddleboard. Just outside the beach, you’ll find a few snack bars and pizzerias if you didn’t bring your picnic basket.

The Camarguaise Bull Race is a traditional Mediterranean game involving bulls and men, but in contrast to bullfighting, here the bull is in command of the race. The goal of the race is to pull off cockades and strings attached to the horns of a bull. Spirit, intelligence and speed are the main qualities of the Camargue bull, so you’ll need quick feet to avoid being trampled by the gorgeous animal.

The Courses Camarguaise are held from April to October in many villages around Montpellier. You’ll find the full schedule of the bull races online or at the Montpellier Tourist Office.

A wine-tasting tour to Pic Saint-Loup is a must if you want to discover the excellent wines of Languedoc Roussillon. Pic Saint-Loup is a popular hiking destination located 13 miles north of Montpellier. This mountainous area offers perfect conditions for producing delicious red, white and rosé wines.

Some of the most popular vineyards to visit in Pic Saint-Loup include Domaine de l’Hortus, Château de Flaugergues, and Domaine La Croix Belle. A road trip to the Pic Saint-Loup vineyards is a great getaway from the city and an amazing opportunity to learn about winemaking in this part of France. You might even find a new favorite wine and great souvenirs to take home.

L'Opéra Comedie is a historic landmark opera house in a namesake public square showcasing performances from the region's most prestigious opera company. Located in the Place de la Comédie in the city centre, this opera house was designed in 1755 by the famous architect Jacques Philippe Mareschal.

The theater is a superb building in the Italian style and among the largest of its kind in France. Here you can catch traditional opera performances and live concerts in an elegant, opulent and historic building that will take your breath away.