Lonely PlanetJul 11, 2026
A guide to Montpellier, France
When to go, what to do, how to get around and more.
23 things in this story
- Université de MontpellierPlaceestablished in 1289, Europe's oldest medical school
- Saint-RochNeighborhoodstation connecting to cities throughout France
- Musée FabreGallerycollection covers art from 16th century to present
- MO.CO.Galleryart institution with public galleries
- MO.CO. PanacéeArts centreshowcases work of local artists
- Musée d’Art BrutMuseumdisplays outsider art in former artist's home
- place de la ComédieSightmain square, known as 'l’Oeuf' (the egg)
- place Royale du PeyrouSightsquare facing Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe
- Arc de TriompheSight52m-high arch
- Château d’EauSightwater tower connected to 18th-century aqueduct
- St-Clémont AqueductSight18th-century aqueduct
- Jardin des PlantesParkFrance’s oldest botanical garden
- Halles CastellaneMarketcentral food market with local produce
- Marché du LezMarkettransformed agricultural buildings with food trucks and restaurants
- Hôtel de VarennesSightornate townhouse with ribbed vaulted ceilings
- La Tour de la BaboteSightvestige of the city’s original 12th-century fortifications
- L’arbre BlancSightmodern pineapple-shaped building by Sou Fujimoto
- Palavas-les-FlotsNeighborhoodseaside town with water-sports companies
- Samy Jet SkisPlaceoffers water-sports equipment rentals
- Maison de la NatureSightboardwalks for viewing flamingoes and storks
- Le RebuffyPubstudent-friendly bar for apéro
- JOST HotelHostelhotel near Montpellier Saint-Roch station
- Place de l’EuropeSight