Montpellier guide 
Sights and attractions - What should you not miss in Montpellier? Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Old Town L´Ecusson and others.
Accommodation - Tips for pleasant and popular accommodation, from a hostel in the center, to a guesthouse in the countryside, to luxury hotels.
Typical food and drinks - What you should try in Montpellier - bouillabaisse, tapenade, pastis or wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
Practical tips - Here you can learn about local transport, customs and the like.
Weather - Four seasons in Montpellier. When does it rain the most and when, on the other hand, do you enjoy warm and sunny weather?
Celebrities - What famous personalities lived and worked in Montpellier.
Montpellier is located in the south of France, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. This historical and cultural center of the region is one of the oldest university towns in France. The city is proud of its rich history, beautiful architecture and lively cultural life.
Almost 300,000 inhabitants live here, of which about a third are students.
Montpellier is located near the Mediterranean Sea, thanks to which you can enjoy a pleasant Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.
They founded the city in the 10th century. It quickly became an important trade center. During the Middle Ages, textiles were mainly traded here. Education also played an important role.
The city has many historical monuments, including the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, the old town with its narrow streets and Renaissance buildings.
Montpellier is also famous for its rich cultural scene. It hosts many festivals, including the Montpellier Dance Festival and the Festival de Radio France et Montpellier, which focuses on classical music.
Montpellier is home to one of the oldest universities in France, founded in 1289. Today, the city is a center of higher education with a number of universities and research institutions.
Montpellier has a diverse economy that includes sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, information technology and tourism. It is also an important regional commercial and financial center.
Many tourists come to Montpellier to admire its architecture, explore historical monuments and enjoy the atmosphere of the old town. Nearby you can enjoy vineyards and beaches, which add to the attractiveness of the region.
Sights and attractions
In Montpellier you will find many monuments and attractions that reflect the rich history and culture of the city. Some of these include:
Saint-Pierre Cathedral - Gothic cathedral built in the 14th century instead of the chapel of the monastery of St. Benedict from the 12th century. It is one of the most important monuments of the city. The high tower offers an amazing view of the city. The archbishopric is based here.
Old town (L´Ecusson) - Historic center full of narrow medieval streets, squares and picturesque houses. Here you can walk around historic buildings, go to picturesque cafes and shops.
Place de la Comédie - You can find this vast square in the center of the city. It is surrounded by elegant buildings, cafes and shops. Formerly there was a fortification here, today you can rest and relax here.
Promenade du Peyrou – This beautiful park is located on a hill above the city and offers wonderful views of Montpellier and the surrounding countryside. You will also find an impressive fountain and the triumphal arch of Louis XIV.
Aqueduct Saint-Clément – This monumental aqueduct brought water to the city as early as the 17th century. It is one of the most distinctive and also the most important monuments in the city.
Musée Fabre - One of the most important museums in France. Here you can view extensive collections of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day. It was founded by the painter François-Xavier Fabre at the beginning of the 19th century.
Jardin des Plantes – This historic botanical park and arboretum offers leisurely strolls among rare plants and exotic trees. Here you can relax and take a break from the busy city life.
Aquarium Mare Nostrum (Planet Ocean World) - This modern aquarium specializes in Mediterranean fauna and flora. Here, visitors can see a wide variety of sea creatures in a real environment. There are also feeding demonstrations.
Accommodations
In this sunny destination, you can choose from a wide range of accommodation options. Accommodation here is offered by around 1000 different accommodation providers, from beautiful and prestigious hotels, villas, boarding houses, apartments to cheap hostels. We can recommend accommodation in the very center of the city near the Place de la Comédie, the Jardin des Plantes or near the Montpellier-Saint-Roch main train station.
You can indulge in luxury at the 5* Domaine de Verchant & Spa - Relais & Châteaux. This former villa offers elegant accommodation with the latest technical equipment. There is a modern wellness and fitness center, sauna, tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools.
Luxury in the historic center of the city is offered, for example, by the 4* hotel Pullman La Pléiade Montpellier Centre. You can relax here, for example, by the rooftop swimming pool, heated from April to October. You can enjoy the food of a local restaurant, for example, on the sunny terrace. The hotel offers wellness services, fitness, saunas, massages, valet parking and much more.
Affordable accommodation in the city center is offered, for example, by the 3* Hotel du Palais in a historic 200-year-old building. Breakfast is served either in the stylish dining room or directly to your room. You can store your luggage at the 24-hour reception or arrange parking in the garage.
The pleasant guesthouse Couette et Café is located in a quiet area 3 km from the city center. You can relax on the terrace overlooking the garden. You will find a coffee machine in the room, and you can prepare food in the shared kitchen. Breakfast is already included in the price.
Cheap accommodation close to the city center is offered by the JOST Auberge de jeunesse Montpellier Center St Roch hostel. Undemanding travelers will find everything they need here: shared kitchen, restaurant, terrace, seasonal outdoor pool. The hostel also organizes an evening entertainment program.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Montpellier, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.
Typical food and drinks
In Montpellier and the surrounding Languedoc-Roussillon region, you will find a rich selection of traditional foods and drinks that reflect the regional culinary culture of the Mediterranean.
Bouillabaisse - Traditional Mediterranean fish dish. This southern French specialty is prepared from various types of fresh fish and seafood cooked in an aromatic tomato and fish sauce.
Brandade de morue – Dip, made from a noble piece of cod mixed with olive oil, garlic and milk or cream. They serve it with grilled bread or potatoes.
Tielle Sétoise - This traditional dish comes from the nearby town of Sète. It is a type of filled cake. The pastry is filled with seafood (calamari, octopus, fish or mussels) in a spicy tomato sauce.
Tapenade - This popular aperitif dish is made with olives, capers, anchovies, garlic and olive oil. Everything is mixed into a smooth paste and served with crusty bread or a grilled baguette.
Languedoc-Roussillon Wines - Known for its winemaking traditions, this region offers a wide range of delicious wines, red, white and rosé. Popular varieties include Carignan, Syrah, Grenache for red wines and Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat for white wines.
Pastis - This anise herbal aperitif, very popular in the Mediterranean, is traditionally mixed with water or ice to create a refreshing drink.
Practical advice
Montpellier has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, so pack light clothing and shoes that are comfortable for walking around the city.
Public transport in Montpellier works very well. Includes trams and buses. You can buy a one-day or weekly ticket that is valid for all modes of transport.
Before you visit, plan the main attractions you want to see and find out opening hours and entrance fees. This will help you make the most of your time in Montpellier.
Montpellier is generally a safe city. But be careful with your belongings in places with a large concentration of people, such as in front of the most famous monuments.
Don't forget to try traditional local food and drinks during your stay. Restaurants and cafes in the city center and in the old town offer a wide range of delicacies.
Although many people speak English in Montpellier, it will be useful to learn the basics of French. The locals will appreciate your effort and willingness to communicate in their language.
Apart from Montpellier itself, you will find many other interesting places to explore nearby, such as the Mediterranean beaches, the historic cities of Nîmes and Avignon or the vineyards and villages inland.
Weather
Montpellier has a Mediterranean climate. There are warm and dry summers, mild and wet winters.
The summer months (June - September) are hot and dry in Montpellier, with average maximum temperatures around 28-32°C. The days tend to be very sunny and warm, which makes for pleasant weather for outdoor activities and being at the beach.
During the autumn months (October – November), temperatures gradually drop. Average maximum temperatures are around 20-24 °C. It rains more in autumn.
Winters (December - February) in Montpellier are mild and wet. Average minimum temperatures are around 3-5 °C and average maximum temperatures around 11-14 °C. Colder days can occasionally come, but it rarely snows.
In spring (March - May) you can enjoy mild and sunny weather in Montpellier. Temperatures gradually rise, with average maximum temperatures around 15-20 °C in March and 20-25 °C in May. In spring, flowers begin to bloom and greenery comes to life.
Overall, Montpellier has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, ideal for tourists who want to enjoy sunny and warm days.
Celebrities
Montpellier has a rich history associated with a number of notable figures from various fields, including art, science, politics and culture. Some of these personalities include:
Nostradamus (Michel de Nostredame 1503 - 1566) - Famous astrologer, physician and writer. Nostradamus was born near Montpellier. He became famous for his prophecies, which he wrote down in a collection called "Prophecies", which still fascinates many people today.
Alfred Naquet (1834 – 1916) - French physician, chemist and politician. He was born near Montpellier. He was one of the main supporters of the introduction of universal suffrage in France and also played a key role in the legalization of contraception.
Georges Frêche (1938 – 2010) - Politician and former mayor of Montpellier. He played a significant role in the modernization and development of the city.
Jean Moulin (1899 – 1943) - French resistance fighter and World War II hero. He played a key role in uniting the various resistance groups in southern France. He was one of the leading figures of the French resistance against the Nazi occupation.
Louise Labé (1524 – 1566) - Famous French Renaissance poet and writer. She was also called "La Belle Cordière" (the beautiful corder). Although she was not born in Montpellier, she often stayed here.
