Tour
3,5 km
1h30
19 audios
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A gem of the south and once the proud capital of Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpellier stands as a destination of unique character and remarkable distinction. Nestled between the aromatic garrigue scrubland and the Mediterranean coast, this vibrant city captivates all travelers, whether they’re seeking sunny beaches or cultural experiences at any hour. Basking in sunshine 300 days a year, Montpellier proudly reveals its medieval heritage through landmarks like the Babote Tower and the Pine Tower, but especially through the ancient yet lively spirit of the Écusson district. Though lacking major industry and sometimes nicknamed the “sleeping beauty,” this southern city has discovered its own path to enchantment. With an infectious energy, a perfect blend of history and modernity, and a calendar brimming with cultural events, Mediterranean passion pulses through its veins. Throughout the year, “The Gifted One” offers countless experiences and memories waiting to be made. So why complicate things? Simply choose Montpellier.
Your eyes were likely drawn first to that old archway spanning the street. But trust us, it’s the building connected to it on the left that really deserves your attention. The Saint-Foy Chapel, commonly called the Chapel of the White Penitents Read more
Having a coffee, shopping, attending an opera – is just a short list of activities that make Place de la Comédie the favorite leisure place of Montpellier resident. For more than 250 years, it has been the beating heart of the city, and its history Read more
Comédie, the square, comédie, the theater, is there a Montpellier naming trend? Not really, no. However, if these two flagship attractions of the city do share the same name, it's not by chance. Their history is simply connected. Read more
This fortified silhouette, classified as a historical monument since 1927, is well known to the people of Montpellier. But for us, who are quietly advancing into the unknown along the boulevard, the surprise effect is total. Read more
While grand monuments tell us the history of a city, local markets are the ones that take us on a tour of regional flavors. In Montpellier, a Mediterranean destination at the crossroads of taste, eating well is almost an art form. Read more
The neighborhood you walk through, the square you enter, even the church you approach — everything points to one man: Saint Roch. Originally from Montpellier, the city of which he is the protector, Saint Roch is known as the healer of plague Read more
In Montpellier, we can certainly talk about the old center, but in the mouths of the locals, the true locals, it's mostly referred to as l'Écusson. Guardian of stories and traces of the past, this district is the most famous and lively in the Read more
Neighborhood life in Montpellier gently rhymes with markets. This is beautifully showacesed here by the immense rectangular mass standing before you, or by everything that existed before it, if we go further back. Indeed, even in medieval Read more
When we arrive at this square, our eyes are drawn only to the bell tower of the former Sainte-Anne church, visible throughout Montpellier. And by former, we don't mean to indicate the presence of another more recent place of worship with the Read more
Paris isn't the only French city with its own Arc de Triomphe! Montpellier, known as the "gifted one," has one as well. They must have had something worth celebrating at some point in their history, Something or rather someone, to be more Read more
With its sweeping views of the countryside and elegant terraced gardens, the Peyrou Promenade is a place where many visitors find themselves daydreaming. However, getting to what we see today took time and this place went through several Read more
Among the 82 botanical gardens across France and French-speaking countries, it's here in Montpellier that you'll find the oldest of them all. Impressed? You should be! But wait until you learn a bit more about this place that has been the pride Read more
Supplying a city with water seems like a mundane task nowadays. But back then, you have to imagine that access to this natural resource was a real challenge. Montpellier can testify to that. Founded in the Middle Ages, the city severely lacked Read more
To admire another remarkable witness to Montpellier's history, all you need to do is to walk a 120 meters in a straight line from here. Nestled in the middle of a small square, the Tower of the Pines is one of the last remnants of the line of Read more
The Botanical Garden is one of Montpellier's oldest attractions with a story that runs deeper than most visitors realize. During its 5 centuries of longevity, the site has accumulated incredible secrets and special features. Here are some gems! Read more
We promised to take you to the must-see attractions... but what if we showed you something truly unique? An undisputed treasure of the city, the Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier is the oldest medical school in the Western world still in Read more
Get ready to be amazed—this iconic landmark of Montpellier is sure to take your breath away! Saint Peter's Cathedral towers majestually over the narrow streets of the Écusson district, offering a striking contrast to most cathedrals found in Read more
If Place de la Canourgue were to be described by its residents, discreet, beautiful, and romantic would certainly be the most recurring adjectives. Sure, from your current perspective, none of this stands out , but be ready, because in just a few Read more
Despite being a relative young with only about 985 years old, Montpellier is filled with historical treasures and anecdotes that have shaped its character. While countless tales are still waiting to be discovered, we've dusted off a few of the best Read more
Découvrez Montpellier avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
19 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Discover the peaceful beauty of the Thau Lagoon during a boat ride.
When you decide to visit Montpellier, you should take the time to appreciate it entirely and explore both its historical and cultural side as well as its more modern version. The goal is to make sure you don’t miss anything!
Let’s start beautifully with the Fabre Museum. Created in 1828, thanks to the donation of Montpellier painter François-Xavier Fabre, this venue is among the most beautiful public collections in France and Europe. Covering a total area of 9,200 square meters, more than 700 works, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings, allow you to discover the richness of European art from the 14th to the 21st century. Rubens, Veronese, Bourdon, Poussin, Raoux, Courbet,
Not far from Place de la Canourgue stands the Mikvé of Montpellier, a unique witness to the importance of the Jewish community that settled in the city during the Middle Ages after being expelled from Andalusia. The Mikvé, a Hebrew term meaning “the gathering of water,” is a kind of purification basin formerly used before certain important life events. Believers had to immerse themselves completely while reciting prayers. Fed by groundwater or rain, mikvés are invaluable places of millennia-old spirituality. And fortunately, the one in Montpellier, considered one of the oldest and best preserved in Europe, welcomes you during guided tours organized by the Tourist Office. Inquire about it, it’s really worth it!
If there’s already bustling activity on the beautiful Place de la Comédie, it goes up a notch when you pass through the doors of the Polygone. This completely renovated shopping center features 110 stores and 10 restaurants across 3 levels. With ready-to-wear shops, accessories, kitchenware, decoration, and even relaxation areas, this is a place where you’ll experience unforgettable shopping and leisure moments.
After the past and the excitement, let’s find calm and modernity at MO.CO, an abbreviation for Montpellier Contemporain. Popular and deliberately innovative, MO.CO is actually three venues in one, consisting of an art school, Esba, and two contemporary art centers, including La Panacée. Beyond the temporary exhibitions it offers, as any respectable museum does, the institution is committed to higher education and research in the field of fine arts, contemporary creation, and the development of production and mediation in contemporary art. The national and international talents of tomorrow therefore have a future in Montpellier!
If the Écusson is the most historical district of the city, Antigone is certainly the most singular and atypical. An ambitious project from the 70s-80s, spanning between the Polygone shopping center and the Lez River, this district was born from a collaboration between Georges Frêche, the mayor of Montpellier at the time, and Ricardo Boffil, a Catalan architect. Most of its buildings, which house social housing, offices, and cultural venues, display a monumental neoclassical architectural style. It’s as if ancient Greece and the Mediterranean had become one! As a result, when walking around, it’s not uncommon to pass through large arches, gaze at imposing fluted columns, photograph Greco-Roman curves, and imagine mythological stories near magnificent fountains where busts of demigods pose. When visiting the Languedoc capital, you’ll see that the Antigone district is as striking as it is surprising! A characteristic it also shares with other architectural follies located on the other bank of the Lez. The blue glass cube you’ll see is not a spaceship, but the City Hall of Montpellier, designed by architects Jean Nouvel and François Fontès. As for the white building with its multiple balconies, it’s not a satellite tower, but rather “L’Arbre blanc” (The White Tree), a recent creation by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. Besides housing, an art gallery, a restaurant, and a panoramic bar share the remaining floors.
If you enjoyed Montpellier and are eager to know a bit more about its surroundings, remember that Château de Flauguergues, a distinctive residence and historical monument, and the Pic Saint-Loup vineyard, an exceptional terroir at the foot of the Cévennes, are two places that will give you a beautiful glimpse of what the Montpellier hinterland has in store.
And in case you haven’t been told yet, Montpellier also has more than 80 mansions in the city center and some Montpellier “follies” in its countryside, the most famous being Château de Flaugergues. Located in the middle of the rural domain, this aristocratic jewel, classified as a historical monument, was once the residence of the counselor to the Court of Accounts of Montpellier. Quality and elegance will be the two guiding principles of the visit.
Just 11 km from Montpellier, the Mediterranean Sea awaits you with its fine sandy beaches. A bike path runs along the banks of the Lez River to the Méjean lagoon, home to pink flamingos. The Maguelone Cathedral, a jewel of Romanesque art, stands proudly nearby. Private beaches, open from April to September, offer unforgettable moments of relaxation. For a unique experience, embark on a boat trip and discover Montpellier’s coastline. The beaches of Palavas-les-Flots, Carnon, La Grande-Motte, and Sète are must-visit places to enjoy the sunshine and water activities.
Flavors, must-sees, and getaways around Montpellier.
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Founded in 1220, the Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier is the oldest in the world still in operation.
The anatomy conservatory, meanwhile, was created in the 18th century. Be prepared, as you’ll find real human and animal anatomical specimens, malformed fetuses, and even wax reproductions. An activity that some…
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Just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Place de la Canourgue, this hotel exudes typical southern charm. Its rooms…
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Highlights
Languedoc authenticity
Close to tram and paid parking
Ideal location
Things to Consider
Only one accessible room for people with reduced mobility
Location: 3 Rue du Palais des Guilhem, 34000 Montpellier
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Montpellier is one of the most visited cities in France: for its pleasant landscapes, mild temperatures, enchanting setting… And its delicious dishes! Languedoc specialties delight the stomachs and make our taste buds tingle with excitement. Among the local restaurants, Rue Andre Michel and Rue Roucher offer specialties carefully crafted and prepared, in a cozy and warm atmosphere: from appetizers to small amuse-bouches, the main course, and finally ending with a sweet touch, you’ll be served and immersed in a sea of flavor. Rue du Pila Saint Gély, on the other hand, offers a range of refined local products, with top-notch service. The cherry on top: you’ll discover some surprises in your mouth, as the chefs love to pair certain ingredients together… We won’t spoil the surprise!
Montpellier is a city that should be explored over several days. Therefore, it goes without saying that you’ll need to book a stay in one of its many hotels. To help with your choice, Navaway has selected the most welcoming places for you! Starting with Rue du Palais des Guilhem, which is undoubtedly one of the busiest spots in Montpellier. The establishments offer rooms that are cozy, authentically Languedoc-style, and most are accessible for people with reduced mobility. Boulevard Victor Hugo and Rue du Jugurtha are also great places for your stay during your vacation: the price-quality ratio of the rooms is very affordable, and the atmosphere is described as family-friendly, close to various tourist sites and places to visit.
The best way to get to Montpellier is undoubtedly by train. The city has two train stations: Montpellier Saint-Roch and Montpellier Sud de France. Every day, numerous trains serve the city, mostly departing from major French cities such as Toulouse or Nîmes. Trains are the most eco-friendly means of transport for the planet, and if you book early enough, you can enjoy very affordable fares for your trip. For those heading to Montpellier, the trains include TER, TGV INOUI, OUIGO, and INTERCITES. However, if you prefer to opt for the bus (which nowadays is becoming increasingly comfortable and affordable), you can take a direct bus from Paris City Centre – Bercy Seine to Montpellier. The buses depart about three times a day, and the journey takes approximately ten hours.
Montpellier is a vibrant city, perfect for nightlife. Among the best places to enjoy the nightlife:
Montpellier is full of historical and cultural sites:
Montpellier has several interesting museums to visit:
Yes, Montpellier offers many activities for families: parks, interactive museums, bike rides, nearby beaches… The Lunaret Zoo, Planet Ocean Aquarium, and playgrounds at Parc Méric are perfect for children.
Yes, there are several guided tour options to explore Montpellier. You can explore the historic center with a guide who shares the city’s history and anecdotes, or opt for more unique experiences like tours by small train, Segway, or even themed tours (street art, gastronomy, etc.). Some tours also provide access to places typically closed to the public, such as medieval towers or private mansions. Whether on foot or otherwise, it’s a great way to better understand the soul of Montpellier.
Discover the peaceful beauty of the Thau Lagoon during a boat ride. Montpellier and its surroundings offer many things to discover, both culturally and naturally.
The variety of activities to do in Montpellier is impressive, ranging from cultural visits to gastronomic experiences.
The Place de la Comédie is the beating heart of Montpellier, a city located in the south of France. This iconic square is a popular meeting point, overlooked by the majestic Three Graces fountain, an essential monument of the city. The Opéra Comédie, with its sumptuous architecture, borders the square, adding an elegant touch to this lively place. The surrounding medieval streets, lined with private mansions, are a true journey through time and a must-see for visitors. Just a short walk away, the Marché du Lez, a market dedicated to arts and gastronomy, offers a unique experience. Montpellier is a city to discover without a car, and La Place de la Comédie is an unmissable place to start your visits.
The Arc de Triomphe of Montpellier, located in the city center, is a historic monument built in 1691 to symbolize the power of the monarchy. While smaller than its Parisian counterpart, this arch is a popular meeting point for tourists and visitors. Nearby, the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, an impressive Gothic structure, stands proudly with its four massive towers that give it the appearance of a fortress. Built between the 14th and 19th centuries, this cathedral is a true architectural gem and a must-see during your visit to Montpellier.
The Musée Fabre is a cultural treasure of Montpellier, bringing together collections of old masters and modern and contemporary works. This museum showcases masterpieces of Romanticism, Naturalism, Realism, and Impressionism. Among the most famous works are “View of Village” by Frédéric Bazille and “Woman Leaning on the Arm of a Chair” by Henri Matisse. With 800 works on display, the Musée Fabre is one of the most important in Europe, offering an artistic journey from the Renaissance to the present day.
The Jardin des Plantes of Montpellier, created in 1593, is the oldest botanical garden in France. Linked to the medical faculty and the city’s university, it houses 3,200 plant species, including 1,000 in its greenhouse. This garden is a peaceful haven and a biodiversity hotspot in the heart of the city. Not far from there, the Parc de Lunaret, Montpellier’s zoo located to the north of the city, is home to more than a thousand animals. Visitors can explore the Amazonian greenhouse and the many animal species in the park, offering an enriching experience for both young and old.
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