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Top 10 things to do in Montpellier

Montpellier is on record as the fastest growing city in France over the past 25years. Indeed it is the third largest on the Mediterranean coast. It is interesting that one third of Montpellier’s population is made of students! The city’s famed school of medicine spearheaded this growth in student population. The student population make Montpellier open to cultural events. You just might visit the city in time for a free jazz concert or festival.

Explore one or two of the seven official neighborhoods that Montpellier has been divided into, as you look into the top 10 things to do in Montpellier.

1. Promenade du Peyrou

Belvédère_Promenade_Peyrou- by Caroline Léna Becker- Wikimedia Commons

Start your tour of Montpellier by catching panoramic views of the city- sort of finding out what you will be getting into as you delve into it. The Peyrou esplanade has a vantage point to the city, the ancient arches of a Roman aqueduct, Les Arceaux and the area around it.

The statue of Louis XIV on horseback is prominently displayed in this spot, also a favorite of the locals. Visiting Promenade de Peyrou is one of the things you’ll get to do while in Montpellier at no cost.

2. Montpellier Cathedral

Montpellier Cathedral- by Wolfgang Staudt- Wikimedia Commons

Despite suffering extensive damage during the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants in the 16th century, the Montpellier Cathedral still stands tall and is fondly referred to as Montpellier Cathedral of St. Peter.

The look and feel of this imposing cathedral are that of a fortress- the two tower-like pillars supporting the arched porch were not destroyed during the 16th-century religious wars caused by the tumultuous relationship between Protestants and Catholics.  It’s a good thing too that the Montpellier Cathedral survived as it has been beautifully created.

Entry to the Cathedral is free as well. The café and botanical garden near the Cathedral are the perfect bonus for your trip to the Cathedral.

3. Château de Flaugergues

Chateau de flaugergues- by Mc2416- Wikimedia Commons

Discover this charming country house with seemingly carefully selected 18^th century furniture and tapestries from Brussels, porcelain and a library among other items on display in the present day.

Away from the building that it used to be, elements of Château de Flaugergues have been carefully put together for your enjoyment- the botanical path, olive trees and vineyard all tended to give you quite an experience during your visit. Wind your tour of this beautiful Château with a taste of wine at the wine shop, straight from the vineyard within the grounds!

4. Pic Saint-Loup

Pic Saint Loup- by Christian Ferrer- Wikimedia Commons

While you might not want to make your hiking debut in Montpellier, if you are a hiker, climber or nature lover, the climb up to the peak of Pic Saint-Loup will be well worth your while. This jagged mountain is 658metres high and will take you about one hour to conquer.

Located 25 minutes from Montpellier, Pic Saint-Loup boasts a variety of the signature Mediterranean species of vegetation such as the Holm oak, Kermes oak, Aleppo pine and Arbutus trees. These have a lot to do with the fragrant wines that are synonymous with Pic Saint-Loup.

5. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

rue_de_Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert- by Stefi123- Wikimedia Commons

Wander in the medieval village that is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert for a taste of Montpellier in earlier days. This village has maintained the medieval imprint which you will find is a breath of fresh air. You will observe tightly packed houses and alleys, baked roof tiles and a general manner about the area that reeks medieval.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the French section of St James’ Way to Santiago de Compostela in Western Spain. You will rarely see another village as beautiful- Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is as beautiful as they get.

6. Pavillon Populaire

Pavillon_populaire- by Dinkley- Wikimedia Commons

Take amazing photos at the internationally recognized exhibitions held at Pavillon Populaire. Three times a year, the museum shows three new exhibitions featuring works by popular artists. These exhibitions are very well choreographed, and the venue is quite inviting- Pavillon Populaire is one of the leading photography exhibition venues in France. Definitely worth your time.

7. Fabre Museum

Fabre Museum- by Bohyunlee- Wikimedia Commons

Do not miss out on one of Montpellier’s main sights- Fabre Museum. It is quite refreshing and endearing that this museum came to be when artists united and put together their donated works to start it up. Today the museum boasts works from French, Spanish and Italian artists as well as a few other nationalities.

You will be impressed by the architecture of the building itself as well as the ceramics, paintings, engravings, drawings and sculptures within it. This museum is quite impressive, especially with such an interesting foundation.

You have the option of taking a guided or unguided individual or group tour for that wholesome experience.

8. L’ Écusson (Old Montpellier)

Montpellier- by (WT-shared) Túrelio- Wikimedia Commons

L’ Écusson (Old Montpellier) is the historic center of Montpellier. And one of the largest pedestrian areas in Europe. A stroll down the streets would do you good as you mingle with the locals and perhaps take a bite or a drink at the many cafes that line up the street.

L’ Écusson is bustling with activity, quite a busy part of Montpellier. You will enjoy weaving through the winding streets, shopping, sampling local cuisine or playing solo hide and seek. Old Montpellier is your chance to blend in.

9. Place de la Comédie

Place de la Comédie by Henri MOREAU- Wikimedia Commons

Place de la Comédie is a square in Montpellier that boasts many bars, restaurants and shops- always a fun time. The Three Graces Fountain beautifully adorn the center of the fountain, adding to the beauty of the architecture.

You can easily take a step back and relax at the Esplanade de Charles de Gaulle, a small park towards the northeastern corner of the square or relax at the square watching the locals and guests alike going about their business.

10. Triumphal Arch

Montpellier Porte du Peyrou- by Fred Romero -Wikimedia CommonsWikimedia Commons

The entrance to one of Montpellier’s old ramparts is no ordinary gate!  Architect François d’Orbay designed the majestic Triumphal Arch, whose features are noteworthy. As you get in you’ll note the medallions, the royal crest in France blue and the summit in ochre and yellow- These elements seem to almost speak so that entrants can take note if the territory they are getting into.

Designed by the architect François d’Orbay, a pupil of Mansart, this Arc de Triomphe was built on the site of one of the gates of the city’s old ramparts. Beautiful views of Montpellier and the surrounding countryside await you at the top of the 88 steps. You can take this on individually or request a guided group tour,

You’ll generally find Montpellier easy-going, and charming. The city presents you with a dynamic piece of France to discover; the elegant buildings, hotels in their grandeur and beautiful squares. You should explore Montpellier.