Things to Do in Montpellier: Old Town, Squares & Beaches

Wander the medieval heart of Montpellier, a tangle of narrow streets, private mansions and shaded squares. Start on the vast Place de la Comédie, follow the Rue Foch to the Arc de Triomphe, and climb the Promenade du Peyrou for panoramic views over the city and the distant Mediterranean. The Écusson is where Montpellier's centuries of history come alive on foot.

Montpellier punches well above its weight for art and culture. The Musée Fabre houses one of France's finest collections of European painting, while contemporary spaces such as MO.CO. showcase cutting-edge work. Add the historic university quarter, atmospheric cathedral and lively theatre scene and you have one of the south's richest cultural cities.

Montpellier sits just a few kilometres from over 20 km of sandy coastline. Hop on tram line 3 and within about 30 minutes you can be on the beaches of Palavas-les-Flots, Carnon or chic La Grande-Motte. Spend the day swimming, enjoy fresh seafood by the water, or stroll the lagoons and marinas that define this stretch of the Languedoc coast.

Eat your way through Montpellier's food scene, from covered markets such as Les Halles Castellane and Les Halles Laissac to terrace dining on Place Jean Jaurès. Sample Bouzigues oysters, Languedoc wines and Mediterranean seafood, then enjoy a buzzing nightlife powered by one of France's largest student populations, with bars and clubs around the Écusson and the river.

Escape the bustle in the Jardin des Plantes, the oldest botanical garden in France, or relax beneath the arches of the Saint-Clément Aqueduct at Les Arceaux. Take in the views from the Peyrou, explore the futuristic Antigone district, or join a walking tour or hop-on hop-off bus to see a different side of Montpellier beyond its famous squares.

The historic heart of Montpellier, the Écusson is a maze of medieval streets, hidden squares and elegant private mansions. Stay here for easy access to Place de la Comédie, Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the city's best cafés, boutiques and tapas-style wine bars, all within walking distance.

Centred on the grand Place de la Comédie, this is Montpellier's lively hub of shopping, cafés and the landmark Opéra Comédie. Just beyond lies Antigone, a striking neoclassical district designed by architect Ricardo Bofill, with monumental squares stretching towards the river Lez. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of the action.

A trendy, village-like neighbourhood just north of the centre, Les Beaux-Arts blends leafy streets with independent cafés, craft beer bars, vintage shops and a popular weekend market. It offers a relaxed, local atmosphere and is a favourite among students and young creatives.

Set beneath the elegant arches of the Saint-Clément Aqueduct, Les Arceaux is known for its twice-weekly open-air market, boules players and laid-back local feel. It's a charming, authentic corner of Montpellier perfect for soaking up everyday Languedoc life away from the main tourist trail.

Montpellier's modern, riverside district is a showcase of bold contemporary architecture, wide boulevards and green spaces around the Bassin Jacques Cœur. With its waterfront restaurants, the Hôtel de Ville and easy tram links, Port Marianne offers a fresh, spacious contrast to the historic centre.

A quiet, residential neighbourhood north of the Écusson, Boutonnet keeps a true village feel with leafy lanes, local bistros and a friendly community atmosphere. Close to the botanical gardens and the centre yet wonderfully calm, it's popular with longer-stay visitors and those seeking an authentic local base.

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Just 30 km away and around 30 minutes by train, Sète is nicknamed the "Venice of Languedoc" for its canals. Discover its working fishing port, climb Mont Saint-Clair for panoramic views, and enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the coast.

Around 30 minutes by train, Nîmes is home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Europe. Marvel at the Nîmes Arena, the temple-like Maison Carrée and the elegant Jardins de la Fontaine in this proud city of antiquity.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard is a breathtaking three-tiered Roman aqueduct rising 49 metres above the river Gardon. Walk across this masterpiece of ancient engineering and enjoy the surrounding nature and swimming spots.

About 32 km from Montpellier, this perfectly preserved medieval walled town rises from the Camargue salt marshes. Walk the ramparts, climb the Tour de Constance and explore the pink salt flats that surround this atmospheric fortress town.

One of France's officially listed "most beautiful villages", Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert nestles in a dramatic gorge. Wander its medieval streets, visit the UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey and explore the nearby Hérault gorges and the Pont du Diable.

Famous for its distinctive pyramid-shaped architecture, La Grande-Motte is a purpose-built seaside resort with long sandy beaches and a lively marina. Together with Palavas-les-Flots and Carnon, it offers easy Mediterranean escapes just minutes from the city.