Montpellier City Breaks

A guide to Montpellier

The fastest growing French city for the past quarter of a century, Montpellier is innovative, brash 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, with average highs of between 25-28 ̊C, making it a hot spot during the summer. Many people come to Montpellier for both the culture and the history, as this is a place with a rich past which can be seen in its many impressive monuments and 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.

A lively southern French city

The heart of Montpellier is its huge 18th century square, La Place de la Comédie, at the centre of which is the exquisite Fontaine des Trois-Graces. There are a number of fantastic experiences to enjoy cost-free throughout their stay, such as taking a stroll along the tree-lined Esplanade, and families will appreciate a trip to the zoo. Ardent shopaholics 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.

Great nightlife and fine dining

In terms of dining, Montpellier has a great range of restaurants offering an eclectic selection of cuisine. Restaurants are a mix of ethnic establishments serving north and south Asian food, to traditional French bistros and brasseries. 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).