What to do around Montpellier with your family?

There’s plenty to do in the capital of Languedoc, but if you’d like to get out of town and see what’s going on in the surrounding area, here are some fun ideas to plan with friends or family, whether you’re in Montpellier for a weekend or longer.

What to do around Montpellier as a family?

The sea, medieval towns, vineyards, abbeys, châteaux, hiking, museum visits… there’s plenty to choose from within 1 hour of Montpellier.

1 – Go to the seaside

• Palavas-les-Flots is just 15 minutes from Montpellier, with dunes and fine sand as far as the eye can see as far as Carnon, la Grande-Motte… Maguelone Cathedral is a must-see!

• Just 30 minutes from Montpellier are the Aresquiers beach, Frontignan-Plage, the famous Etang de Thau and its oyster beds, where you’ll also find small ports with a local atmosphere such as Bouzigues, Mèze and Marseillan. Finally, if you want to relax, why not take a trip to the spa town of Balaruc-les-Bains?

• Just 45 minutes away, the Bagnas Nature Reserve takes you as far as Cap d’Agde, the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes is a must-see seaside destination, as is the fishing port of Grau-du-Roi. If you prefer a more remote and authentic setting, don’t miss the Espiguette beach, where unspoilt wilderness awaits you.

2 – Villages with character

These villages are less than 45 minutes from Montpellier.

• Saint-Martin-de-Londres, Les Matelles and Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles to the north, are typical medieval towns with their maze of narrow streets, churches, ramparts and local stone facades that suddenly give you the impression of having stepped back in time… Saint-Martin-de-Londres, Les Matelles and Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles plunge you into the heart of the Languedoc vineyards.

• Other medieval villages include Viols-le-Fort and its dolmen, the hilltop village of Puéchabon, Montpeyroux and the ruins of its fortified castle, and Saint-Jean-de-Fos and its circulade architecture. Like Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, which lies on the route to Santiago de Compostela and is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France for its wealth of medieval treasures.

• Transport yourself to the planet Mars as you stroll around Lac de Salagou, in a unique and incredible landscape with its hills of red earth laden with iron oxide contrasting with the blue of the lake. Stroll through the dolomitic cirque of Mourèze, and pass by the 17th-century Manufacture Royale de Villeneuvette, a vibrant testimony to a rich past.

• To the east lies the Petite Camargue and the Mediterranean villages of the Lunel region: Marsillargues and its castle, Saint-Christol and its vineyards, the Viavino wine tourism site, the archaeological site of Ambrussum, the castle and night market of Sommières…

Local crafts, typical little stalls… Savour every moment spent in these medieval towns, which will reveal all their secrets to you…

3 – Sites not to be missed within ½ hour of Montpellier

The Hérault Gorges

Take a refreshing dip at the Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge) over the Hérault and admire the wild and magnificent gorges of this site. The Passerelle des Anges (Angels’ Footbridge) offers the most beautiful views. Find out all about this unspoilt area at the Maison du Grand Site.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is nearby, and in August, don’t miss the Saint-Jean-de-Fos potters’ market, a tradition that has been carried on since the 15th century.

The Navacelles cirque

Designated a Grand Site de France, the cirque offers spectacular views. This 300-metre-deep canyon has the Virgin Rock at its centre.

Nîmes

Visit the arena, which hosts the Féria, historical shows and the Nîmes Festival. Also worth a visit is the Maison Carrée, a perfectly preserved Roman temple, and the Jardin de la Fontaine.

The Pont du Gard

A 3-storey Roman aqueduct, the highest in the world and the only one of its size still standing.

4 – Abbeys and châteaux

• The Abbey of Vignogoul, located in Pignan, was built on the ruins of a 12th-century monastery, using southern Gothic architecture. This imposing abbey resembles a cathedral.

• The Château de Restinclières and its 240 hectares of gardens are made up of formal gardens, forests and scrubland. Themed nature and environmental activities are available on site.

• Valmagne Abbey is one of the most magnificent Cistercian abbeys in France, and its vineyards are among the oldest in the region. Listed as an exceptional site, it is home to Russian oak tuns, a cloister with a Florentine feel, and a superb chapter house with its fountain, a rare monument. The medieval garden and the conservatory of grape varieties complete this timeless visit, and you can of course discover the estate’s wines and restaurant. Finally, there’s a treasure hunt for the whole family.

• The Château de Sommières, built in the 11th century, has been gradually restored since the 1990s. You can visit the Saint-Sauveur chapel-royal and the courtyard, a former parade ground. Digital activities and workshops for children are also on offer.

5 – The vineyards

Set off to discover the region’s terroirs and appellations, some of whose names you will no doubt already be familiar with: Grés de Montpellier, Pic Saint-Loup, Terrasses du Larzac, Muscats de Lunel or Frontignan… The best thing to do is visit the estates to share your love of wine, or opt for a gastronomic walk that will reveal the riches of the Hérault’s vineyards.

6 – Walks and hikes

• The Maison de la Nature in Lattes is located on a protected site near the Etang du Méjean, where you can observe the local flora and fauna (pink flamingo, European cistude tortoise, etc.), as well as a discovery trail with interactive facilities.

• In the Grand Pic Saint-Loup area, there are routes and walks and cycle rides for all levels on this GR trail.

• The Lac du Salagou, where there are a number of circuits around the lake enabling you to discover an exceptional site, passing through typical villages, vineyards, geological curiosities and incredible landscapes. There are no fewer than 15 trails to choose from, depending on your level.

7 – What can you see around Montpellier with your family?

• The Seaquarium at Le Grau du Roi,

• The Clamouse cave,

• The Mèze dinosaur and prehistory museum-park.