Montpellier City Breaks

The fastest growing French city for the past quarter of a century, Montpellier is innovative, bolshy and vibrant. Located in southern France on the River Lez, 6 miles from the Mediterranean coast, the city is snapping fast on the heels of Toulouse for the title of southern France’s most lively city. The weather here in July and August is pleasantly warm, at an average of between 25-28 ̊C, meaning summer city breaks in Montpellier are particularly sought after. Many people come to Montpellier for cultural city breaks and historical city breaks, as this is a place with a rich past and culture which can be seen in its many impressive monuments and historic old buildings. The city also boasts a notable festival in the summer months, the Festival de Radio France et Montpellier; a huge music gala of jazz, opera, classical music and films with over 150 events.

The heart of Montpellier is its huge 18^th century square, La Place de la Comédie, at the centre of which is the exquisite Fontaine des Trois-Graces. Those after a cheap city break here will find a number of fantastic experiences to enjoy cost-free throughout their stay, such as taking a stroll along the tree-lined Esplanade. Family city breaks with something for the kids will appreciate a trip to the zoo; entrance is only around €6. Ardent shopaholics on a shopping city break in Montpellier will find centre-ville the most densely populated shopping area, with the most popular shops located on the main streets leading away from the Place de la Comedie and on the rue Foch. For a French market shopping experience, try the huge flea market that takes place every Sunday at Mosson.

In terms of dining, Montpellier has a great range of restaurants offering an eclectic selection of cuisine. Restaurants range from ethnic establishments serving north and south Asian food to traditional French fayre. The centre-ville provides a huge range of to-go sandwich shops and kebab shops, as well as some fantastic French bistros in the area around La Place de la Comédie. As with most large cities, the city centre tends to cater particularly for tourists, while more authentic French dining experiences are to be had to the north, south, west (but on the whole not east) of the centre-ville. Nightlife in Montpellier is lively; there are numerous cafés, bars and clubs catering to every music taste. Bars of note include La pleine lune (a bohemian, laid back venue), Le capuchin (a rural-café in the heart of town) and Martins Club (an exotic, lounge-style bar). Use directline-citybreaks online search function to find the best city break deals to Montpellier.