Summary
Louis XIV played a significant role in Montpellier’s history by designating it as the capital of Bas Languedoc during the 17th century. This decision positioned the city favorably under the king’s influence, attracting the elite who constructed neighborhoods filled with elegant homes. Consequently, numerous mansions can be admired throughout the extensive historic quarter, along with notable monuments like the Promenade de Peyrou, appropriate for a regional capital.
In France, Montpellier is renowned for its stylishness and charisma, evident in the luxurious trams designed by fashion icon Christian Lacroix. Families can expect an engaging experience, reassured by the presence of a highly-rated zoo and aquarium, not to mention pristine sandy beaches located a mere 15 kilometers away.
Let us delve into the most noteworthy attractions in Montpellier:
1. Fabre Museum
Local artists have significantly contributed to making the Fabre Museum a premier art destination, beginning with François-Xavier Fabre, whose donation in the 1820s initiated its establishment.
Since its inception, the collection has expanded to encompass over 800 pieces, including contributions from renowned artists such as Frédéric Bazille and Pierre Soulages.
The museum curates its paintings and sculptures in chronological order, showcasing a wealth of baroque art featuring masters like Rubens, Veronese, Rigaud, and Zurbarán.
The 19th century is also well represented with notable works by Renoir, Courbet, and, predictably, four paintings by Bazille.
2. L’Écusson (Old Montpellier)
From the Promenade de Peyrou in the west to the Place de la Comédie in the east, Montpellier boasts an intricate labyrinth of fresh, shaded streets, which have maintained their layout for centuries—beneficial in a city blessed with 300 sunny days annually.
Many of the apartment buildings and residences are historic, dating back to the 1600s and 1700s, and beyond the sturdy wooden doors, numerous homes feature internal courtyards.
Les Halles Castellane is Montpellier’s exquisite covered market, and the surrounding streets and squares brim with restaurant tables during the summer, fostering a vibrant and social atmosphere.
3. Promenade de Peyrou
At the highest point in Montpellier, situated just west of the old fortifications, this square was conceived during the reign of Louis XIV. However, due to a turbulent period in the early 18th century, its completion was delayed until the mid-1700s.
Numerous intriguing features can be found here, including the statue of Louis XIV from 1828, which replaced an earlier version that was repurposed for cannon production.
This statue portrays him on horseback, extending his arm towards Spain.
The 18th-century Château d’Eau stands as a monumental water tower, benefiting from the 14-kilometer Saint-Clement Aqueduct that spans the square.
On Sundays, a flea market is held beneath the arches of the aqueduct, which is designed similarly to the historical Pont du Gard.
4. Place de la Comédie
Serving as a significant link between Old Montpellier and the newer districts, the expansive Place de la Comédie is vibrant and bustling, characterized by its diverse selection of bars, restaurants, and shops.
At the center lies the Three Graces fountain, erected in 1790, featuring the Charites from Greek mythology, which symbolize Montpellier.
Following a refreshing coffee, continue your exploration along the leafy walkways of the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, adjacent to the square on the north.
By night, the restaurants and the grand neoclassical buildings surrounding the Place de la Comédie, such as the Opéra national, emit a deep blue illumination, creating a surreal atmosphere reminiscent of a scene from Blade Runner!
5. Montpellier Cathedral
The French Wars of Religion during the 16th century significantly impacted Montpellier’s churches; nonetheless, the gothic Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre endured, albeit with some damage.
Interestingly, it was not always a cathedral but originated as a chapel in a monastery before the diocese of Maguelone was relocated to Montpellier during Francis I’s reign in the mid-1500s.
This cathedral may take visitors by surprise, as it remains somewhat concealed within the maze of streets in the historic quarter.
The most striking aspect is the grand portal, flanked by twin pillars that measure over 4.5 meters in diameter.
6. Triumphal Arch
This majestic gateway to the Promenade de Peyrou was inspired by the Porte Saint-Denis in Paris and was completed in 1693. For enthusiasts of French history, particularly during the Sun King’s reign, the arch’s inscriptions and reliefs narrate the (somewhat biased) story of significant events from his rule.
Among these is the depiction of the Capture of Namur from the Nine Years’ War, illustrated by a figure denoting the Netherlands bowing in homage to the king.
Moreover, a relief illustrates the construction of the Canal des Deux Mers, an impressive engineering feat that connected the Bay of Biscay with the Mediterranean Sea during the 1600s.
7. Pavillon Populaire
Positioned in a distinguished location on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle is a beautiful art nouveau structure constructed in the late 19th century.
For over a century, it has served as a venue for various public exhibitions; however, since the 90s, it has exclusively focused on showcasing exceptional temporary photography exhibitions—at no cost.
The venue hosts three exhibitions annually featuring renowned 20th-century photographers such as Brassaï, Bernard Plossu, and Jakob Tuggener.
Thus, your visit to Montpellier will likely offer something unique if you appreciate this art form.
8. Montpellier’s Hôtels
A defining aspect of Montpellier’s historic center is the abundance of hôtels, ornate mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Most of these structures were erected when Montpellier served as the capital of Languedoc during the reign of Louis XIV, built for members of his court and administration.
In total, there are 13 mansions, and a comprehensive itinerary can be obtained from the tourist office.
Among the notable buildings are the Hôtel des Trésoriers de France, from the 15th century with an extravagant façade added in 1675, and Hôtel de St-Côme, which features an anatomical theater funded by François Gigot de la Peyronie, the Royal Surgeon under Louis XV.
9. Montpellier Zoological Park
Henri de Lunaret, who owned the Hôtel des Trésoriers, also held the historic estate where Montpellier’s zoo is located, bequeathing the grounds to the city under the condition of its charitable use.
Established in 1964, the zoo is bordered by a nature reserve along the rugged banks of the Lez River.
Housing over 750 animals representing 140 species, including giraffes, white rhinos, cheetahs, and Syrian brown bears, the zoo is organized into six different “biozones” depicting habitats from across the globe.
For younger visitors, an educational farm with friendly goats and sheep is available for feeding.
10. Château de Flaugergues
Situated in the eastern suburbs of the city is a remarkable estate, constructed as a “folly”—one of several summer retreats for the aristocracy of the 17th and 18th centuries in Montpellier.
Flaugergues was established in the late 1600s and has since been enveloped by urban development, standing in an area characterized by warehouses and commercial structures.
Take a stroll through the meticulously maintained gardens and step inside to admire the exquisite interiors, which feature paintings, historic furnishings, and five Flemish tapestries from the 1670s illustrating the life of Moses.
Additionally, the estate includes a 30-hectare vineyard belonging to the Côteaux du Languedoc region, and a tasting session is offered as part of the tour.
11. Aquarium Mare Nostrum
On a rare rainy day, visitors can easily spend a couple of hours at Montpellier’s aquarium. Now approaching its tenth anniversary, it hosts 400 marine and freshwater species across tanks containing nearly three million liters of water.
The centerpiece is the central pool, measuring 10 by 18 meters, the largest of its kind in France.
Among the aquatic animals, visitors will find penguins from South Africa, an impressive variety of sharks and rays, alongside a touch pool where children can feel the texture of a starfish’s back.
The tour also guides visitors through a recreated tropical rainforest filled with monkeys, iguanas, and tanks that house piranhas.
12. Pic Saint-Loup
Pic Saint-Loup, a rugged mountain located approximately 20 kilometers north of Montpellier, rises to 658 meters and is surrounded by a captivating landscape of limestone cliffs, sunflower fields, and vineyards, characterizing the South of France.
This prominent peak is visible from extensive regions of the Hérault department and serves as an inspiration for hikers and climbers alike.
On foot, one can ascend Pic Saint-Loup from the southern approach via a six-kilometer trail from Cazevieille, while the steep cliffs on the northern face require a guide for navigation.
The Pic Saint-Loup wine terroir is renowned throughout Languedoc-Roussillon, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore various caves and vineyards post-ascent.
Many of these establishments produce excellent red wines from blends of syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre.
13. Beach Trips
Within 20 minutes of Montpellier, one can reach the beach, enjoying an astonishing array of options along the Hérault coastline.
Resorts such as Palavas-les-Flots, Carnon, and La Grande Motte feature sandy expanses or barrier islands separated from the mainland by lagoons.
The density of blue flag beaches in the vicinity is remarkable; in 2016, 19 were identified within a 40-minute drive from Old Montpellier.
Notably, Palavas-les-Flots offers extensive stretches of sand and pebbles totaling seven kilometers, well-protected from the open sea by breakwaters.
14. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
For those seeking a rural day trip set in a stunning natural environment, the medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is esteemed as one of the “most beautiful villages” in France.
Nestled within a narrow valley beneath a gorge where the Gellone River converges with the Hérault, this village offers tranquil stone streets framed by impressive limestone formations.
Visitors should also explore the village’s Benedictine abbey, established in the early ninth century.
The cloister and central garden exude tranquility, while within the abbey, the 18th-century organ crafted by the renowned master-organ builder Jean-Pierre Cavaillé can be found.
This organ is the most well-preserved of his creations, being one of the last church organs constructed in the region prior to the Revolution.
15. Food and Drink
Montpellier lies within the world’s largest wine-producing region: Languedoc-Roussillon, which produces more bottles than several entire countries combined.
Previously regarded as more focused on quantity rather than quality, it is noteworthy that Pic Saint-Loup is now highly esteemed.
This exceptional red wine pairs perfectly with seafood, complemented by the crisp white Picpoul-de-Pinet.
Indeed, the local cuisine draws heavily on Mediterranean influences, with numerous restaurants in the city offering mussels, crab, oysters, and fish stews.
Moreover, Montpellier’s cosmopolitan makeup features significant Vietnamese and North African communities, contributing to a diverse array of flavors.
As a memento, consider bringing home a box of Grisettes—honey and liquorice candies claimed to have originated in Montpellier during medieval times. The traditional packaging adds to their allure.
