Top 4 events in Montpellier

Montpellier is a university town, and a young one at that! So if you want to feel the student vibe, you’ve come to the right place.

While the buzzing youth seem to be taking over the city as they please, curious visitors find themselves swept up in an exhilarating frenzy. Just like the open-air parties, festivals and colourful markets that abound here and there in Montpellier.

Then the opposite happens. Calm returns, with more intimate and culturally rich events. Often indoors, in museums, theatres or at major exhibitions.

Indoors or outdoors, as you’ll have gathered, it’s a busy time! If you take a closer look at the annual programme, you’ll see that new events take up the lion’s share of the cake. Certainly to continue to attract an increasingly demanding young audience.

This quest for novelty does not prevent us from holding recurring events that are eagerly awaited by all. These highlights are often linked to the town’s traditions or showcase local producers.

Our selection of regular events

Montpellier is just 10 km from the Mediterranean. This is a real treat for the locals, who love to get together with family and friends at the weekend. This proximity makes it easy to organise events by the sea. Make sure you find out about them well in advance of your arrival, especially if you’re planning to visit in fine weather!

1 Festival des architectures vives

Date or period: In June, for one week.

Access: Free

Description: How can you combine discovering Montpellier’s secret heritage with a contemporary artistic experience? The answer: the Festival des architectures vives in Montpellier! This free event, created in 2006 by the “Champ Libre” association, invites visitors to enter the secret courtyards of Montpellier’s magnificent town houses and admire works of contemporary art that are as unique as they are astonishing. A harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary extravagance!

2. The Feast of Saint-Roch

Date or time: Mid-August

Access: Free

Description: Saint-Roch, protector of the city of Montpellier, is said to have worked miracles in the 14th century, curing the city’s plague victims. Every year around 16 August, a parade, guided tours devoted to Saint-Roch, lectures and musical events take place in the Écusson, the historic district of the Occitan city. A heritage event that will immerse you in the local tradition!

3. The Rencontres vigneronnes

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Date or period: At weekends in November.

Access: Charge €.

Description: Take a stroll through Montpellier’s wine cellars and estates. Since 2021, producers have been welcoming you to this superb venue to discover their best wines and oenological advice. The Languedoc region is bursting with AOP and IGP wines. By taking part in these events, you are supporting French wine production and the local terroir. Surrounded by connoisseurs, insiders and industry professionals, you can also take part in tasting workshops, events and friendly walks through the vineyards!

4. La Comédie du livre

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Date or period: End of May, for 10 days.

Access: Free

Description: This annual festival marks the reunion of lovers of good reading! Whether you’re on your own, with friends or accompanied by children, take a slow stroll through the pages and enjoy a variety of readings. A dozen independent bookshops and publishers from the Occitanie region invite you to (re)discover well-known authors and local writers. Readings and enjoyable encounters are on the menu. What’s even more surprising is that literature is on the same wavelength as music, film, dance and even video games! Something for everyone, in every style, for young and old readers alike.