France travel guide

Montpellier

One of the liveliest and sunniest cities in southern France – known for youthful energy, historic charm and a perfect location close to the Mediterranean.

Montpellier lies in the Occitanie region and combines southern French warmth with a modern, creative atmosphere. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, a lively cultural scene and a large student population, the city has a dynamic energy that is felt in the streets, on the squares and in the many outdoor restaurants.

The heart of the city is Place de la Comédie, an elegant and lively square surrounded by cafés, restaurants and beautiful façades. From here you can wander into the charming old town, where narrow medieval streets, small shops, markets, wine bars and art galleries create an inviting and authentic atmosphere. Montpellier also works perfectly as a base for excursions in the surrounding area. In a short time you can reach long sandy beaches by the Mediterranean, discover the famous wine areas of Languedoc or explore spectacular nature in the hills north of the city – making Montpellier a destination with city life, beaches and nature experiences close by.

City guide

Experiences

10 things to do

Montpellier combines historic quarters, modern city life, good markets and easy access to the Mediterranean, wine areas and beautiful natural landscapes. The city works just as well for relaxed walks and cultural experiences as for food, beach life and small excursions in southern France.

It is easy to fill your days with classic sights, local favourites and experiences with a clear Mediterranean character.

Place de la Comédie – The city’s lively meeting place with opera, cafés, restaurants and a warm southern French atmosphere.
Écusson – The historic old town with narrow streets, small shops, wine bars and pleasant squares.
Musée Fabre – One of the region’s most important art museums, with works from the Renaissance to modern times.
Promenade du Peyrou – Elegant promenade with a triumphal arch, city views and a beautiful mood in golden evening light.
Aqueduc Saint-Clément – An impressive 18th-century aqueduct inspired by Roman architecture.
Antigone – A distinctive urban district with monumental lines, open spaces and interesting architecture.
Palavas-les-Flots – Perfect for a quick beach trip with sand, sea air and a relaxed Mediterranean feel.
Vinområdene rundt byen – Beautiful landscapes, vineyards and wine tasting within easy reach of the centre.
Les Halles Laissac – Modern food hall with local specialities, fresh produce and a lively atmosphere.
Camargue – Spectacular natural area with wetlands, flamingos and a distinctive landscape.

Gastronomy

Restaurants

Food experiences

The city is a very good choice if you want to combine classic French gastronomy with Mediterranean touches and ingredients from Occitanie. You will find everything from elegant gourmet restaurants to intimate places with seasonal menus, good wine experiences and a clear regional identity.

The selection makes it easy to alternate between refined cooking and creative tasting menus.

Jardin des Sens – Exclusive restaurant in historic surroundings with modern gastronomy and a high level of finesse.
Restaurant Leclère – Michelin-recommended restaurant with a seasonal menu and focus on the day’s ingredients.
La Réserve Rimbaud – Starred restaurant by the Lez with modern cooking, a terrace and strong regional roots.
CÉNA – Elegant restaurant with a creative signature and clear focus on ingredients and craftsmanship.
Pastis Restaurant – Refined restaurant serving in stylish and intimate surroundings.
La Table des Poètes – Atmospheric restaurant with an artistic touch, seasonal menus and creative flavours.
Artisane – Modern gastronomic restaurant with precision, character and local ingredients.
Reflet d’Obione – Michelin-awarded restaurant highlighting the region through creative and sustainable gastronomy.

Tip: Try tielles, oysters from Bouzigues, brandade de morue, the goat cheese Pélardon and wine from Pic Saint-Loup.

Lively Mediterranean city Montpellier – southern France’s lively Mediterranean city

Montpellier – southern France’s lively Mediterranean city

Montpellier is a city that surprises many travellers. It combines historic charm with modern energy and is perfectly placed between the Mediterranean, vineyards and beautiful nature. Montpellier lies in the heart of the Languedoc wine region, one of Europe’s largest wine-producing areas, known for both powerful red wines and fresh white wines.

Montpellier has a history stretching back to the Middle Ages. The city grew from the 10th century as an important trading hub between the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe. By the 13th century, Montpellier was already a significant university city, and its faculty of medicine remains one of the oldest in the world.

Why Montpellier is worth the journey

Experience a lively southern French city with historic quarters, squares, markets and modern city life.
Use the city as a base for wine experiences in Languedoc and beach trips to the Mediterranean.
A great starting point for a week-long trip with food, wine and interesting experiences in southern France.

We have gathered recommendations and suggestions for a rewarding round trip.

History Food and wine Languedoc

Calanques National Park

Marseille to Cassis Turquoise coastal nature

Calanques National Park is one of the most striking natural areas in France, with narrow coves, turquoise sea and white limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean coast.

The landscape between Marseille, Cassis and towards La Ciotat feels wild, dramatic and almost unreal in its beauty. It is a perfect place to combine hikes, viewpoints, boat trips and swimming in some of southern France’s most spectacular nature.

Region guide

Provence

Villages and wine The whole region

Provence is a feast for the senses, with morning light over lavender fields, market life beneath plane trees, blue-green Mediterranean water and a rhythm that invites you to slow down.

The region stretches from Luberon and Alpilles to Verdon, Mont Ventoux, Camargue and Marseille on the coast. Cities such as Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Arles offer layers of history, art and gastronomy, while small villages tempt with views, stone houses and true Provençal charm.

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