3 Days in Montpellier: Itinerary with Top 25 Things to Do

Itinerary with Top 25 Things to Do in Montpellier

Have you decided to visit Montpellier, in the South of France?

Excellent choice!

To help you organize your stay, I have prepared the top 25 best things to do and see in Montpellier. Thanks to my complete guide, don’t miss any of the must-see places of interest in this beautiful city.

I also offer you itineraries to visit Montpellier and its surroundings in 1, 2, 3 days or more, as well as my selection of the best places to sleep according to your budget.

So, what to do and see in Montpellier? 

Visit Montpellier: the essentials

1. The historic center of Montpellier: the Shield

It is in the historic center, and more particularly in the Écusson district, that some of the places of interest to see in Montpellier are concentrated.

Unlike some other cities in the South such as NîmesNice or Monaco, the historic center of Montpellier is quite extensive. I found it very nice, with beautiful architecture, and lots of original little shops, not just the big classic brands.

In addition to the main tourist sites of Montpellier (which I will detail in the rest of the article), I advise you to take advantage of your walk in the Ecusson to discover:

Tips for your Montpellier itinerary:

To walk the streets of the old town without getting tired, you can also choose to visit Montpellier by Segway.

Thanks to your super nice and interesting guide, this 2-hour Segway ride allows you to discover the 2 parts of the city: 1 hour in the historic center and 1 hour in the new city.

The best way to see the monuments and emblematic places of Montpellier!

The Ecusson district, Montpellier

2. The Royal Square of Peyrou

A passage through the Place Royale du Peyrou is a must in Montpellier.

Symbolized by the equestrian statue of Louis XIV surrounded by a French garden, the place has become a privileged place to stroll.

It is from the end of the square and the Peyrou promenade, at the level of the water tower, that you can contemplate a panorama of the whole city and the surroundings.

From there, you can also observe the 18th century aqueduct which transported water over 14 km to the city centre. Modeled on Roman architecture, it consists of a double row of arcades.

On the other side of the square from the water tower, be sure to see the Arc de Triomphe, the gateway to the Écusson district. Built in the 17th century in honor of Louis XIV, it is possible to climb to the top to enjoy the view of the Peyrou gardens (only via the Tourist Office).

Place Peyrou, in Montpellier

3. St. Peter’s Cathedral

Saint-Pierre Cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions in Montpellier.

It is located in the historic center.

The construction of the church was decided in the 14th century by Pope Urban V, who had studied in Montpellier, but it was not until 1536 that it was transformed into a cathedral.

Very imposing with its 3 towers and its canopy porch surrounded by huge pillars, it is today the largest Gothic-style monument in the region.

Inside, you can admire pretty stained glass windows and the great organ.

Free entry.

Montpellier Cathedral

4. Place de la Comedie

Place de la Comédie is certainly the most famous place to go in Montpellier.

Nicknamed “the egg” because of its oval shape, it is one of the largest pedestrian esplanades in Europe. Surrounded by very beautiful buildings, including the Opéra Comédie, a 19th century Italian-style theatre, it is truly magnificent.

Always lively, the central square of the city is lined with many shops, cafes and restaurants, where you can have a drink on the terrace. The Montpellier tourist office is also located there, if you wish to go there and take a map of the city.

To do both day and night, to see the illuminated buildings.

Place de la Comedie, Montpellier

5. Museums to Visit in Montpellier

During your stay in Montpellier, you will be spoiled for choice in terms of museums to visit:

Sabatier d’Espeyran Decorative Arts Museum

6. The Montpellier Botanical Garden

Right next to the Faculty of Medicine and the Conservatory of Anatomy, I suggest you continue this guide to Montpellier through the Jardin des Plantes.

Created in 1593 at the request of King Henri IV to study medicinal plants, it is the oldest botanical garden in France. It is also listed as a Historic Monument.

On nearly 4 hectares, it houses an important collection of plants and plants. The park is well landscaped and maintained, with many benches to sit and enjoy the calm.

You can walk the aisles freely or opt for a guided tour. For the latter, you must first register on this site  and choose from the different themes.

The Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon. Mondays and mornings are reserved for students and guided tours.

Montpellier Botanical Garden

7. Laissac Halls

Take advantage of your trip to Montpellier to taste some local specialties and stock up on sun-kissed fruits and vegetables .

Just opposite the Babote tower, in the Ecusson, I recommend that you enter the Laissac halls. About twenty traders are waiting for you there, all specialized in short circuits, a guarantee of quality.

In the center, a space furnished with tables and chairs allows you to taste everything or have a drink.

In Montpellier, you can also do your gourmet shopping:

Tips for your Montpellier itinerary:

And if you want to discover the cuisines of the world while staying in Montpellier, head to the Lez market.

This brand new space brings together restaurants, food trucks, but also shops and a farmers’ market. All installed in former industrial premises to keep the trendy side and it must be said a little bobo. Here you can enjoy tapas as well as Japanese specialties.

Make your choice and sit on the terraces to eat. The concept is nice but a small flat on the prices charged.

Les Halles Laissac in Montpellier

8. The Polygone

The Polygone is the place to do some shopping in Montpellier.

This shopping center marks the junction between the historic district and the new town. It is located after the Place de la Comédie, just before the Antigone district. At the time of its inauguration, in the 1960s, it was one of the largest shopping centers in France.

On 3 floors, it brings together more than a hundred shops including Galeries Lafayette. The Polygone is the ideal place if you are looking for classic brands  (Yves Rocher, Mango, Zara…).

I advise you to complete your shopping session in Montpellier by the alleys of the Ecusson to go around the small more original or designer shops.

Polygon, Montpellier

9. Contemporary Montpellier

As much as the historic center is a must-see in Montpellierthe new town is also worth a visit. The greatest international architects have shown quite a bit of audacity in the design of buildings!

In this part of the city, I advise you not to miss:

The Esplanade of Europe, Montpellier

10. Street Art in Montpellier

The city of Montpellier places great emphasis on street art. During your walk through the neighborhoods, you can admire several examples of very different graffiti, from the most abstract to the most poetic or the most classic.

Here is a list of the best places in Montpellier to discover this art:

Tips for your Montpellier itinerary:

To make sure you don’t miss any of the street art spots, the Montpellier tourist office organizes guided tours on this theme.

Street art Montpellier

11. Flaugergues Castle

I suggest you continue this circuit in Montpellier towards the Millénaire district where the Flaugergues castle is located.

The castle is part of the “Folies”, the secondary residences of the bourgeois families of Montpellier built in the countryside. When summer came, the nobles left their townhouses in the center to spend a few months “in the green” and organize splendid receptions and banquets.

Flaugergues is the oldest “folly” of Montpellier, classified as Historic Monuments.

You will be able to discover its French gardens, its orangery, its English park, all classified as “Remarkable Gardens”. And the interior, adorned with sublime Flemish tapestries   and period furniture is also worth a visit.

Information on the official website.

Among the “Folies” to visit in Montpellier and the surrounding area, I also recommend:

Tips for your Montpellier itinerary:

Many of these estates, such as the Château de Flaugergues, have developed a wine-growing activity and cultivate vines. It is therefore possible to visit the castle and also participate in a wine tasting.

This activity includes transport, guide, tasting and even a visit to a second castle.

Book the guided tour of Flaugergues + wine tasting directly by clicking here.

The castle of Flaugergues

12. Overview of Montpellier

To live a rare moment and a privileged experience during your holidays in Montpellier, I recommend that you choose a private plane flight.

Enjoy panoramic views of the entire city and even as far as Pic Saint-Loup and the ramparts of Aiguës Mortes. The pilot will also take the time to explain the controls and the take-off and landing steps to you.

To book your flight over Montpellier here.

Overview of Montpellier

13. Lunaret Zoological Park

The Lunaret Zoological Park is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Montpellier with the family.

And good news, admission is free! Rare enough for a tourist site of this kind to be underlined.

The Montpellier Zoo is located in the Parc de Lunaret, the largest green space in the city. On nearly 80 hectares, 11 kilometers of trails allow you to discover more than 1300 animals from 5 continents and evolving in semi-freedom.

You will come across lions, cheetahs, rhinos and giraffes.

In the park, you will also have access to the Amazonian greenhouse (the only paid part of the zoo). It is home to more than 3,500 tropical plants  and 500 animals (caimans, anacondas, tarantulas, etc.). It is the largest in France.

Practical information can be found on the official website.

14. Odysseum

To stay in the section of leisure and activities to do with your children during your stay in Montpellier, I recommend a visit to the Odysseum.

This leisure complex includes a cinema, an ice rink, an aquarium, a planetarium and restaurants. If you were wondering what to do in Montpellier when it rains, you have the solution!

And shopping fans won’t be left out either with the hundreds of shops there.

Planet Ocean Odysseum Montpellier

15. Best Activities to Do in Montpellier with Friends

If you have chosen to visit Montpellier with your friends, I advise you (click on the links in orange to book your activities in Montpellier):

What to do around Montpellier?

If you have chosen to spend some time in Montpellier, in addition to visiting the city, there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area.

Here is a list of the most beautiful places not to be missed around Montpellier.

16. Pic Saint-Loup and its vineyards

The first place I suggest you discover near Montpellier (20 km) is the Pic Saint-Loup.

Famous for its vineyard, one of the most famous in the region, it culminates at 650 meters and offers a view of the plain of Montpellier, the sea and the Camargue. Many hiking trails departing from the village of Cazevieille allow you to reach it.

You will find the list of areas to visit around Montpellier by clicking here.

And what’s great is that some visits are free!

Here is my selection:

From Montpellier, if you don’t have a car, I advise you to choose an excursion to go to the Pic Saint-Loup. You can admire the peak, participate in a wine tasting and visit 2 wineries.

Pic Saint-Loup

17. Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert

It is around Montpellier (45 minutes by car) that one of the most beautiful villages in France is located: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

Classified as a ”  Grand site de France”, this medieval village where you will find small artisan shops is best known for its abbey. The Abbey of Gellone, of Romanesque architecture, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An essential step on the Way of Saint Jacques de Compostela, it houses the relics of Saint Guilhem.

Just before arriving in Saint-Guilhem, you will pass by another UNESCO site, the Devil’s Bridge. Overlooking the Gorges de l’Hérault, it was built in the 11th century to allow the passage of pilgrims.

Tips for your Montpellier itinerary:

It is possible to visit Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert through an organized excursion with transport and guide included from Montpellier. The day also includes a wine tasting and the discovery of another medieval village: Saint Jean de Buèges.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert

18. Maguelone Cathedral

Located on the Maguelone peninsula, 35 minutes from Montpellier, Maguelone Cathedral is listed as a Historic Monument. Imposing from the outside, its interior is rather sober but the place is worth the trip for the pleasant and bucolic setting.

Admission is free, but you can rent an audio guide for €4 if you want to benefit from historical explanations.

The cathedral is not accessible by car. You must leave your car in one of the car parks before the peninsula, there are several on the Palavas side and towards Villeneuve-les-Maguelone.

From the car park, you can then reach the cathedral in 10 minutes on foot or with the little tourist train (free).

More information on this site.

Maguelone Cathedral

19. Lake Salagou

This is one of the unmissable natural sites around Montpellier: the Lac du Salagou.

This artificial lake is the ideal place to indulge in water sports, hiking or mountain biking. With the brick-red hills that surround it and the contrast of the water, the place is also very photogenic.

To have a beautiful view of the lake, I advise you to take one of the hikes in the Cirque de Mourèze.

And if you want to test a great activity, I also recommend the buggy ride offered by Philippe all around the lake.

Salagou Lake

20. The Circus of Navacelles

Another superb natural site to see near Montpellier: the Cirque de Navacelles.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the circus is home to a 300-meter canyon carved out by the La Vis river. It is one of the largest canyons in Europe.

To enjoy the impressive view, stop at the 3 belvederes of Blandas (free parking):

At the bottom of the circus, I advise you to go down (by car, on foot or with the shuttle) to the  small hamlet of Navacelles where you will find a few restaurants and the very pretty waterfall of the Vis. Several hikes are also possible.

You can find more information on the official website.

The circus of Navacelles

21. Caves to Discover around Montpellier

There are several caves to visit around Montpellier:

Trabuc Cave

22. Beach + Nautical activities

Montpellier is only a few minutes drive from the beach.

If you feel like sunbathing, swimming and enjoying the beach for a day during your vacation, you can go to:

Most of its beaches also offer water activities, which can be booked by clicking on the links below:

And for those who prefer private beaches, don’t worry there are more than thirty between Grau-du-Roi and Villeneuve-les-Maguelone.

Espiguette Beach

23. Sete

Only 50 minutes by car from Montpellier, I suggest you reach Sète.

This small town, known for its network of canals which crosses it and the nautical jousts which are held there every summer, is very pleasant to explore. Follow the 14 signs of the city’s enhancement circuit and you won’t miss any of the emblematic sites.

From the city center of Sète, I also advise you to take a walk along the Corniche promenade. It offers beautiful viewpoints and small creeks in which to swim.

And to discover Sète from above, go to the Mont Saint-Clair belvedere. From its height of 183 meters, gaze at the panorama over the city, the sea and the Etang de Thau (where the famous oysters are produced).

Sete

24. Nimes

If you want to visit Nîmes during your stay in Montpellier, know that the city is accessible in just 1 hour by road.

What to do and see in Nîmes?

For all the details to organize your visit to Nîmes, read my other article: What to do in Nîmes?

You will also find information on visiting the Pont du Gard.

The arenas of Nîmes, view from the outside

25. Take a Boat Trip near Montpellier

During your stay in Montpellier, you will be close to the sea, so why not take the opportunity to take a boat trip?

I personally recommend 2 options that will allow you to discover the coast by boat far from other tourists:

1) Book a private boat trip

In my opinion, this is the best way to make the most of your day at sea near Montpellier.

From Palavas-les-Flots, Sète or La Grande Motte for example, you can rent a boat with a skipper, and he will take you to the most beautiful corners of the Gulf of Lion.

Motor boat, sailboat, catamaran or even yacht: it’s up to you to choose the boat that suits you to spend a dream day!

2) Rent a boat and discover the coast near Montpellier

If you have a boat license, the second solution for a superb day at sea is simply to rent a boat!

How many days to visit Montpellier?

To visit the city of Montpellier itself, one day is enough.

But there are so many things to do around that I recommend that you plan to spend at least 3 days there.

And if you are lucky enough to be able to go to Montpellier for a week, you won’t be bored either!

1 Day Montpellier Itinerary

Do you have a day to visit Montpellier?

No problem, you will have time to see the main places of interest spread over the 2 main parts of the city.

Here is the route of visits that I propose to you:

For this day, you can move on foot or by tram.

You can also choose to take the guided tour by segway ( book here ), take the little train or the mini bus.

2 Days Montpellier Itinerary

For a 2-day stay in Montpellier, follow the route from day 1.

On the second day, I advise you:

  1. If you have children: visit the zoological park of Lunaret or Odysseum (aquarium)
  2. Relaxation on the beach near Palavas, Carnon, La Grande-Motte or Le Grau-du-Roi
  3. Discovery of Sète.

Tips for your Montpellier itinerary:

To have all the details of this program, I strongly advise you to read my article: What to do in Montpellier in a weekend?

The place of night comedy

3 Days Montpellier Itinerary

In 3 days or even a week in Montpellier, you still have a lot of things to see in addition to the program of the previous 2 days.

I let you choose according to your interests.

You can group them like this:

You also have outings to other caves and other activities that you did not have time to do in the afternoon of day 2 such as Sète, the beaches or the zoo.

Accommodation in Montpellier

Domaine de Verchant & Spa Relais & Châteaux-Luxury hotel in Montpellier

Where to eat in Montpellier

How to go to Montpellier?

Montpellier has an international airport. 

You can also compare rates with Marseille airport, which is only 2 hours away.

You can also reach Montpellier by train.

Montpellier Tourist Map

To help you visualize the city a little better, I made you a  tourist map of Montpellier listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 23 things to do in Montpellier. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

FAQ – Questions about Montpellier

What to do in Montpellier with the family?

If you are planning to visit Montpellier with your children, I recommend the following activities:

What to do in Montpellier when it rains?

If unfortunately the rain invites you to travel and prevents you from doing some sightseeing in Montpellier, until it calms down, I advise you:

Where to park in Montpellier?

Unsurprisingly, on-street parking spaces in Montpellier city center are chargeable and the rates are quite high.

I therefore recommend 2 other options for leaving your car in Montpellier during your visit:

1) The underground car parks in the center: Antigone, Corum, Comédie, Gambetta, Europa, Saint Roch.

2) The P + Tram relay car parks located right next to a tram line to easily reach the city center: parking at 4.90€ which gives you a free return ticket by tram per person for everyone in the car. This is the best cheap parking option in Montpellier!

Parking + Tram connected to line 1 of the tramway at Odysseum, Euromédecine, Mosson, Occitanie.

And you, what are you planning to visit in Montpellier?

Are you looking for other travel ideas in France? Read also

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