There are numerous social attractions for tourists to visit in Montpellier, including historical centers, holy places, recorded milestones, and considerably more found within its encompassing region.
Guests can investigate the city’s attractions either freely or with guided visits that are offered with the guide maps and travel brochures about Montpellier as provided by the Tourist Office.
The Fabre Museum houses an impressive collection of paintings that are spread over a period of over 500 years, including several paintings by famous masters like; Monet, Manet, Delacroix, Rubens, Teniers, Matisse.
At the Parc Zoologique Henri de Lunare, the quality and price are in a proper ratio with each other.
The park is suitable for lunch especially if you have already created a long walk through the park/zoo.
It is a huge and spacious property with animals sitting in the green.
Best time to visit Montpellier?
Montpellier can be explored at whatever time of the year because it offers agreeable weather and a lot of daylight.
Then again, there are sure contrasts between the four seasons, which ought to be considered when contemplating a trek to its territory.
The humid months of the year are during the summer season that starts from June- September.
On the other hand, amid these mid-year months there is for the most part a sea breeze blowing through the air which makes the atmosphere more pleasant.
The evening temperatures amid these months will typically drop to the 50’s.
These mid-year months are likewise the vacationer months and shorelines can frequently be crowded along with sold out lodgings and fully booked flight deals.
The coolest months of the year are for the most part December and January; those who love to ski regularly visit amid the winter months as there are some great territories in the city’s snowy region.
The best times of the year to visit are amid the seasons of spring (March-May) and fall (October – November).
Both of these seasons experience warm (yet not hot) atmosphere, not enough tourist crowds, and the magnificence of the spring blossom or the changing shade of the leaves during the season of fall.
Best things to do in Montpellier
These are my favorite things to do and beautiful places to visit on your next holiday to Montpellier.
Esplanade d’Europe
It is very nice to cross this modern part in the city center that is full of history.
It is really relaxing and you can enjoy the long walks on its very spacious lawn that is full of modern facilities and fountains.
The Esplanade d’Europe is also full of bars and restaurants that you can try and find exquisite French cuisine.
If you walk further towards the river, you will find a fountain at the center.
You can sit by the shore and admire the tranquility of the place.
There are modern structures, fountains and wide boulevards and linear forms until you reach the Esplanade.
At its center is a copy of the statue of Victory Samotracia and at the background is the palace of the Regional Council Languedoc Roussillon with a fountain coming out of the river Lez.
Do not miss this mesmerizing performance.
To satisfy your appetite for good French food there are lots of local restaurants where you can eat with a view of the river.
Impressive buildings stand from left and right.
It is a place to see for its interesting and quite impressive architecture.
But the real attraction is to walk around the edge of the Lez, it’s very nice.
My favorite stuff to do in Montpellier
Cathedrale St-Pierre
In the historic center of Montpellier is where you can find the Cathedrale St-Pierre .
The cathedral is a sacred building that is simple and impressive at the same time.
The interior style is simple and solemn, but with beautiful stained glass windows.
It is very impressive from the outside while it is quite dark and massive inside.
If you pass by it’s worth taking a look even for a few minutes.
The interior is very nice and illuminated by two fantastic rosettes.
It is a majestic monument to see in the city center on the side of Peyroux in the small streets.
This church is not far from the university and the Jardin des Plantes.
The main facade has a monumental porch composed of an arch-canopy supported by two powerful cylindrical pillars giving with it other architectural elements inspired by the military genius on the defensive aspect.
In 16th century, the popular church was specifically referred to by the name of “Fort St. Peter.” In 1536, the transfer of the bishop took place and the former fort was transformed into a full cathedral.
Inside, some of the beautiful stained glass windows still remain, along with the rare paintings, sculptures, nice pulpit, original altar and organ.
Fun things to do in Montpellier
Pic St-Loup
The Pic St-Loup is famously known as the holy peak wolf and it is the perfect opportunity to have a good time with friends, enjoy the panoramic view from the top, and do some sport.
It offers excellent climbing for those who do it infrequently.
The view from the top is impressive and incredible.
You should plan your time so that climbing, relaxation, and the way back to the parking lot.
You can take the hike around the foot of Saint Loup Peak and enjoy the purity of this landscape, the vineyards around producing splendid nectars, and especially to measure how much we all need calm to withstand the challenges of modern life.
Pic St.
– Loup can be seen from far away and near Montpellier, on arrival from the highway, and from the beaches.
This is a peak where it is essential to climb up and then discover beautiful views all around the region.
Sometimes you can even watch the gliders.
About 4 hours must be provided at all to go up and then down slowly.
Be careful and get equipped with good walking shoes because the path is very narrow path with lots of stone.
Avoid hiking with small children and people with disabilities if you’re planning an excursion here.
In summer, do it early in the morning around 5:00 or 6:00 AM because after then it is very hot.
This is a free site but it is completely wild with no parking or other development.
In front of the Pic, you can also admire a row of rocks called the Hortus which also gave its name to a delicious wine created here in Montpellier.
Here are a few more
Popular Montpellier tourist attractions
Place de la Comedie
The Place de la Comedie is located along the main square of the city and lined with buildings that are reminiscent of the Austrian style and very impressive.
It has a beautiful statue in the center and lots of cafes where you can enjoy superb local food.
Overall it is a nice square and a good starting point for exploring the city.
Exceptional and striking is the large globe illuminated by thousands of lights, as well as the facade of the theater.
Do not miss the shows of street artists.
If you come during the Christmas season, the square gets filled with lights, decorations, and happy atmosphere.
The palaces that overlook the square are all very beautiful including the one that houses the Gaumont Cinema.
It’s a beautiful place that is surrounded by beautiful buildings dating back to the founding of Montpellier.
The Place de la Comedie is recognized as the centerpiece of the city.
This magnificent square in the heart of Montpellier is just a few steps from the station, the shopping center Polygone and Esplanade.
The strength of this site is its lively atmosphere at any time of the day.
It is always full of young students who meet at the fountain of the Three Graces to get a drink or eat at one of the bistro on the square.
If you want to feel the good vibes or just go people watching, visit this crowd drawing attraction in Montpellier City.
What else to do in Montpellier?
Musee Fabre
The Musee Fabre is a pleasantly interesting museum that is located in the city center.
He museum tour is a great experience that is not to be missed for those who decide to visit Montpellier and logically for those who love art.
The collections are important and represent a bit about European schools.
The French art excels with works by the same Fabre who founded the school that later became the museum.
But the list of authors are long and there is a good reason to expand the visit for a few hours.
They also organize weekend exhibitions.
The collections are interesting especially for the Flemish and French.
The spaces are large and well kept.
The adjacent bookshop is rich and comfortable.
The Fabre Museum is imperative in your trip to Montpellier.
It’s a three story museum that collects paintings, sculptures, and works from the fifteenth century to the present.
The museum is well organized and has several paintings coming from the era of the Renaissance, Europe and Italian.
The museum is very popular to art lovers and admirers of contemporary designs.
The building is beautiful, full of different environments, and very well adapted to its function.
The collection is organic, large, well-organized, and full of small pieces that are absolutely interesting.
Is Montpellier worth visiting?
The answer is Yes.
Montpellier is worth visiting.
This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventours.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
Aquarium Mare Nostrum
The Aquarium Mare Nostrum is a nice surprise that is accessible by car and by tram from Montpellier.
You can plan a perfect day to spend with family, shopping and entertainment, indoor Go-kart, various attractions for adults and children, restaurants and fast food, in short, the site is built for every taste and every budget.
A citadel in short, very clean and well maintained and just 10 minutes away from the city center of Montpellier.
One of the thrilling things to do is to make a visit to the aquarium and the tour begins at the Pirates Paradise aquarium in front where even the entrance is fantastic.
It not only offers a large quantity of fish, it also has demonstrations of the various marine environments and their unique settings.
There are cute penguins and the amazing shark tank; a huge tub where you can linger in the long term with their mouths open because it feels so.
The simulations of the tornado and storm collision of a ship are not to be missed, and finally, the gift shop that is all very nice and well organized.
What else to see in Montpellier?
Porte du Peyrou
Porte du Peyrou is located on the outskirts of this beautiful space in Montpellier that begins with the triumphal arch celebrating the greatness of Louis 14th.
Its first intention was to serve as the royal square, now, it is a beautiful and quiet place where you can walk, rest in the shade of the many trees and enjoy stunning views, as well as admire the magnificent remains of a Roman aqueduct.
The triumphal arch and the garden officially marks the border with the historic center of Montpellier.
Take advantage of the red light to take a picture that contains not only the arc but also the garden.
You can go through the arch and enjoy the garden that Is a popular venue of street performers, and people who train dogs.
The city of Montpellier has several parks and gardens where you can relax, but this is the cutest.
The arch was created just like the model of the Porte Saint-Denis in Paris.
Naturally, the bas-relief on the arch signifies of glorifying the Sun King.
Over the arch begins the large and spacious area of Peyroux.
in the center of the square there is a monument to the Sun King on horseback.
In this area, there are no Baroque buildings like the ones you see in Place de la Comedie.
But here, you will see lots of towering century-old plain trees.
And on the far (from the entrance) side of the square stands the castle of Water.
Very simple but elegant old building.
In front of the castle is a small pond.
Everything is very reasonably arranged.
It is a pity that the viaduct, which is brought to the Castle of Water, is not filled with water.
It does not give a complete picture of a very unusual design.
The area is designed exclusively for festivals and contemplation.
Popular places to visit in Montpellier
Chateau de Flaugergues
The Chateau de Flaugergues is a pleasant tour between nature and history set in a charming and harmonious place.
The medium size castle is still inhabited by the owners.
After the guided tour, you will see the more interesting and detailed features of the castle and the guides will allow you to visit the garden for free where you might have the pleasure of meeting the Count Henri Le Colbert – owner of the castle.
He constantly walks through the garden which he also describes as having the peculiarity of the bamboo of which the garden is rich.
Relishing the vault will also allow you to enjoy wine tasting and take a short refreshing break before departure.
The wine produced here is very good and the surroundings of the chateau are very welcoming.
The staff is also helpful and eager to serve well.
Things to do in Montpellier with kids
Parc Zoologique Henri de Lunaret
The Parc Zoologique Henri de Lunaret is one of the best attractions you will see in Montpellier.
It is not quite a zoo because it is one of the natural divisions of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Montpellier.
Therefore, it primarily serves the science and fun aspect of the visit.
A visit here is free and you only have to pay if you want to go to a special area that is supported by a tropical climate regime.
Montpellier zoo is spread over quite a large area and you have to wander around first before seeing the animals.
It has a very large variety of ungulates – antelope, zebra, gazelle, giraffe and it’s not in cells or even in cramped cages.
All kinds of animals are assigned their own corner on its spacious area.
All paths, all forks have pointers on what kind of animal you will see and where you’re going on a certain direction.
Each area is fenced.
There are signs with pictures and names of animals in Latin.
Despite the fact that the main purpose of the zoo is scientific, everything is very well equipped for families with children.
There is a snack shop where you can drink coffee.
It is necessary to get to the zoo tram with a transfer bus.
The travel time from the center of Montpellier is within twenty minutes.
To visit the zoo you have to take at least half a day and it’s all worth it.
Things to do around Montpellier
Domaine d’O
The Domaine d’O is a very nice small park with fountains, gardens, and trees.
A good stroll to do with family or friends.
There are tables and chairs for lunch.
Nice but a bit small.
This site is beautiful and the theater festival / events that takes place every year is an ideal setting; you can walk, attend cultural events in a very soothing environment.
In short, to recommend warmly.
It is a magical place where the peace and happiness of seeing Montpellier reigns.
Montpellier is known for its old medical schools and it is the oldest in existence.
It presents a good idea of historical and cultural output that can all be found in one city.
And in its streets come across very interesting monuments with “hidden meaning”, which is interesting to read like a book.
Nevertheless, there are lots of special things to do and even a 2hour walk along the road can yield lots of beautiful surprises in the city of Montpellier.
