Things to do in Montpellier

Activities, attractions and tours

Comedy Square featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Comedy Square featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
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Peyrou Gardens featuring heritage elements
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Top places to visit

1. Comedy Square

Place de la Comédie is an expansive oval-shaped plaza in the center of Montpellier. The pedestrianized square is a popular meeting place and is surrounded by grand 19th-century buildings including an opera house.
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Comedy Square

2. Montpellier Cathedral

Montpellier Cathedral is a large 14th-century Gothic church in the center of the old city. With its towers, turrets and ramparts, the building resembles a medieval fortress. Its full name is Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier and it became a cathedral in 1536. The structure was heavily damaged in the Wars of Religion and rebuilt in the 17th century. It is the only church in Montpellier’s historic area to have survived the war.
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Montpellier Cathedral featuring heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

3. Opera National Orchestra of Montpellier

Enjoy an evening of opera, ballet or classical music at Opéra Comédie, the late 19th-century opera house on the Place de la Comédie. The beautiful theater with its grand frontage is the principal venue of the Opéra National de Montpellier Languedoc-Roussillon, an opera company formed in 1755.
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Opéra Comédie showing heritage architecture and interior views

4. Jardin des plantes de Montpellier

The Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier is an area of stunning natural beauty, covering 11 acres (4.5 hectares) near the center of the city. The attractive park was founded in 1593 and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. It encompasses more than 2,500 plants species, ponds, an arboretum and landscaped areas. The site is owned by University of Montpellier I and is also used for study and research.
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Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier which includes tropical scenes and a park

5. La Promenade du Peyrou

The Arc de Triomphe and an equestrian statue of Louis XIV provide a regal charm to the scenic 18th-century Place du Peyrou. The park is known for its aqueduct and neoclassical water tower, whose summit offers panoramic views of Montpellier’s historic center. Wander along the tree-lined esplanade at the park’s core and admire the various statues and gardens.
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Peyrou Gardens featuring heritage elements

What to do in Montpellier

Popular places to visit

Place de la Comedie featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

Comedy Square

4.5/5(39 reviews)

One of the largest pedestrianized squares in Europe is a great place to come for coffee, to see some opera and shop for food and fashion.

Comedy Square
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Odysseum Shopping Centre

3.5/5(4 reviews)

During your trip to Montpellier, you can do some window-shopping at Odysseum Shopping Centre. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Odysseum Shopping Centre
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Corum Convention Center

3.5/5(7 reviews)

Learn about the events happening in Corum Convention Center during your trip to Montpellier. Take in the art scene in this walkable area.

Corum Convention Center
Montpellier Cathedral featuring street scenes

Montpellier Cathedral

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Behind the fortress-like façade of this medieval church is a collection of biblical artworks and a striking-looking organ from the 18th century.

Montpellier Cathedral
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Polygone Shopping Center

During your trip to Montpellier, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Polygone Shopping Center. Take in the art scene in this walkable area.

Polygone Shopping Center
Montpellier City-Centre showing interior views and heritage elements

Opera National Orchestra of Montpellier

One of France's leading opera houses is a Montpellier institution that hosts opera and classical music concerts by world-renowned composers.

Opera National Orchestra of Montpellier
Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier which includes heritage elements

Jardin des plantes de Montpellier

3/5(1 review)

The oldest botanical garden in France contains thousands of plant species and trees that are hundreds of years old.

Jardin des plantes de Montpellier
Peyrou Gardens featuring heritage elements

La Promenade du Peyrou

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Walk between the arches of the vast aqueduct near the moated water tower in this dazzling park celebrating the glory of a monarch.

La Promenade du Peyrou
Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier

Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier

Enjoy the student vibe at Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier during your visit to Montpellier. Take in the art scene in this walkable area.

Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier

Areas of Montpellier

Montpellier showing street scenes

Montpellier City-Centre

4/5(11 area reviews)

Noted for its historical sites and river views, there's plenty to explore in Montpellier City-Centre. Top attractions like Comedy Square and Fabre Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Comedie Tram Station or Hotel de Ville Tram Station to see more of the city.

Montpellier City-Centre
Babotte\'s Tower featuring heritage elements

Montpellier-Centre

Noted for its historical sites and river views, there's plenty to explore in Montpellier-Centre. Top attractions like Montpellier Cathedral and Canourgue Square are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Louis Blanc Tram Station or Place Albert 1er Tram Station to see more of the city.

Montpellier-Centre
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Les Cévennes

When in Les Cévennes, you can plan a visit to Montpellier Aqueduct and La Promenade du Peyrou, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Les Cévennes
Prefecture of Montpellier

Ecusson

While you're in Ecusson, take in top sights like Canourgue Square or Saint Roch Church, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Comedie Tram Station or Louis Blanc Tram Station.

Ecusson
Babotte\'s Tower

Comédie

Noted for its historical sites and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Comédie. Top attractions like Comedy Square and Opera National Orchestra of Montpellier are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Comedie Tram Station or Hotel de Ville Tram Station to see more of the city.

Comédie
Fountain "small island moussu" in the square Planchon at Montpellier

Gares

Historical sites and coffee shops are just a few features Gares is known for, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Place Carnot Tram Station or Voltaire Tram Station.

Gares

Frequently asked questions

Is Montpellier worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Montpellier is visit Palavas Beach. Tick this major attraction off your list, then discover more of the area's dining and nightlife.
How do I spend a day in Montpellier?
Palavas Beach and Montpellier Zoo are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Montpellier while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Montpellier?
Palavas Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Montpellier and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Montpellier?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out many city highlights, like Montpellier Cathedral, Fabre Museum and Montpellier Zoo. The average stay in Montpellier is three days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Nîmes isn't far away.
Is Montpellier a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Montpellier is a good destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Montpellier Cathedral and Fabre Museum. Then take a stroll around Montpellier-Centre, located 0.32 kilometres from downtown, and Ecusson, which is roughly 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Montpellier with kids?
Deciding what to do in Montpellier with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Montpellier for adults?
Domaine de Saumarez Winery and Corum Convention Centre are just a couple of the things to do in Montpellier. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Montpellier?
In Montpellier, Montpellier Cathedral is a top spot for anyone wishing to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Montpellier.

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