From sun-drenched plazas to ancient alleyways and hidden natural gems—these are the must-see spots in Montpellier and beyond.
Montpellier is one of those French cities that sneaks up on you. It’s got the charm of a historic town, the buzz of a student city, and the elegance of a Mediterranean getaway—all wrapped into one. I still remember walking through its winding streets for the first time, stumbling across Roman relics, stylish boutiques, and café terraces so perfectly French it hurt a little (in a good way).
Whether you’re into art, history, wine, or hiking, this southern gem has something for you. Here are the best places to visit in Montpellier, including a few breathtaking spots just outside the city.
1. Place de la Comédie
Must-see for first-time visitors
Welcome to the heart of Montpellier. Place de la Comédie is the city’s beating pulse—a wide, open square ringed by grand Haussmann-style buildings, lively cafés, and street performers that keep the energy buzzing from morning to night. You’ll probably pass through here more than once—it connects most of the main sights, and is just a few steps from the train station.
Locals call it “l’Œuf” (the Egg) thanks to its oval shape. At the center, the Three Graces fountain adds a classical flourish to the scene, and just behind it stands the stately Opéra Comédie. Grab a coffee and croissant at Café Riche, sit outside, and watch the world go by—it’s a front-row seat to Montpellier life.
If you’re arriving by tram, all lines converge here, and the colorful, graffiti-esque tram cars are a sight in themselves (fun fact: they were designed by fashion icon Christian Lacroix). Day or night, this is the city’s social stage.
2. Musée Fabre
Best for art lovers
A few steps from Place de la Comédie, you’ll find Musée Fabre, one of France’s most important fine arts museums outside of Paris. And trust me, even if you’re not typically a museum person, this one’s worth it.
Set in an 18th-century mansion mixed with modern extensions, the museum’s layout feels fresh and spacious. You can roam from baroque masterpieces and Romantic-era drama to contemporary sculpture and sleek light installations—all under one roof. Look out for works by Delacroix, Courbet, and Rubens, plus a strong collection from local artists.
Don’t skip the decorative arts wing—it’s quieter and has these gorgeously restored period rooms that show off aristocratic Montpellier life. If you’re visiting in summer, the museum is blissfully air-conditioned, and the Le Café du Musée in the courtyard is perfect for a quiet coffee break under the trees.
3. Promenade du Peyrou
Best for sunset strolls & historic vibes
This elegant esplanade feels like Montpellier’s open-air balcony. Sitting at the western edge of the old town, Promenade du Peyrou offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and a regal calm that contrasts nicely with the city buzz just a few streets away.
The big draw here is the statue of Louis XIV on horseback—very dramatic—and the Château d’Eau, a grand 18th-century water tower that looks like a Roman temple. It’s connected to the Saint-Clément Aqueduct, which used to bring water into the city. Walk along the aqueduct’s upper path for panoramic views that stretch all the way to the Pic Saint-Loup mountains on a clear day.
Sunday mornings, there’s an antique market here, with stalls selling everything from vintage postcards to old French books and quirky knick-knacks. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a spontaneous tango or classical music performance as the sun dips low.
4. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
Best for history buffs & Gothic architecture lovers
Tucked into the medieval heart of Montpellier, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is hard to miss once you’re near it—but surprisingly hidden if you’re not looking. Its most striking feature? Two massive cylindrical towers that look more fortress than church, flanking a dramatic stone archway like something out of a medieval movie.
Originally built in 1364 as a monastery church, it became a cathedral during the Wars of Religion and still bears the weight of that history. Step inside and you’ll find a moody, atmospheric interior with soaring Gothic vaults and richly colored stained glass. It’s often quiet—perfect for taking a moment to soak it all in.
The cathedral is attached to the Faculty of Medicine, one of the oldest in Europe, and you can practically feel the centuries of scholarship in the surrounding streets. If you’re a fan of hidden corners, wander nearby Rue de l’École de Médecine—it’s like walking through a timeline.
5. Château de Flaugergues
Best for wine lovers & garden strolls
Yes, Montpellier has its very own château—and you don’t even have to leave the city to find it. Located in the east, about 20 minutes from the center by tram or car, the Château de Flaugergues is a privately owned 17th-century mansion with lush gardens and a working vineyard.
This is the kind of place where you sip rosé among cypress trees and feel like French nobility for the afternoon. The guided tour of the house is charming (lots of antique furniture and family stories), but the real draw is the peaceful grounds. You’ve got Italian-style terraces, a bamboo grove, and manicured French parterres—all perfect for a romantic wander.
After exploring, head to the on-site winery and tasting room, where you can sample wines grown right on the estate. They specialize in Languedoc reds and crisp whites—ideal for warm southern evenings. If you’ve got time, book a lunch at the estate’s restaurant, Folia, which focuses on local and seasonal produce.
6. Jardin des Plantes
Best for nature lovers
France’s oldest botanical garden? Right here in Montpellier. Jardin des Plantes, founded in 1593, is a shady, tranquil oasis just steps from the old town—and a favorite escape for locals, students, and anyone in need of a breather.
The garden was originally created to grow medicinal herbs for the city’s medical school (which is still just next door), and you’ll still find labeled plants from all over the world, including rare trees, cactus gardens, and a whimsical bamboo grove. The atmosphere is wonderfully low-key—more secret garden than tourist attraction.
It’s free to enter, and you can easily spend an hour or two wandering along the winding paths, sitting on a bench under a 200-year-old tree, or listening to birdsong near the pond. It’s especially beautiful in spring and early summer, when everything is in bloom.
And here’s a fun bonus: the garden inspired the creation of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, which came later. So if you’re the type who loves a “hidden gem” with historical roots, this one’s for you.
7. The Mikvé
Best for cultural travelers & lovers of hidden history
Deep beneath the surface of Montpellier’s old town lies one of its most quietly powerful sites: the medieval Mikvé, a Jewish ritual bath dating back to the 12th century. You won’t stumble across this one—it’s only accessible by guided tour through the Tourist Office, but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re intrigued by the city’s layered past.
The Mikvé is incredibly well-preserved, with a vaulted stone chamber and a natural spring still trickling into the bath. It was part of a thriving Jewish quarter in Montpellier during the Middle Ages, when the city was a major center of learning and religious tolerance.
Standing inside, surrounded by thick stone walls and centuries of quiet ritual, it feels like time just… pauses. It’s small, but impactful, and adds a deeply human dimension to the city’s complex history. If you’re exploring the Écusson (the historic center), the Mikvé makes a meaningful detour—one that most visitors miss.
8. Pic Saint-Loup
Best for hikers & epic views
Want to escape the city and get a taste of rugged southern France? Just a 30-minute drive north of Montpellier, Pic Saint-Loup is your go-to. This iconic limestone peak rises like a jagged spine from the surrounding vineyards and garrigue scrubland—and yes, it’s as dramatic as it sounds.
Hiking to the summit is the main event. The trail is about 6 kilometers round-trip, moderately challenging, and takes around 2–3 hours. You’ll gain about 600 meters of elevation, and the payoff? Panoramic views all the way to the Mediterranean on a clear day.
If you’re not in the mood to hike, don’t worry. The surrounding villages—like Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles and Cazevieille—are pure Languedoc charm, and the region is packed with wineries offering tastings of AOP Pic Saint-Loup reds. These wines are full-bodied, spicy, and seriously underrated.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic and head up in the late afternoon. Watching the sun dip behind the peak is a moment you won’t forget.
9. Arc de Triomphe
Best for architecture fans & classic photo ops
No, you’re not in Paris—but Montpellier has its own Arc de Triomphe, and it’s impressively grand. Built in the late 17th century to honor King Louis XIV, this golden-stone arch marks the entrance to the Promenade du Peyrou and feels like a gateway into the city’s elegant past.
At 15 meters high, it dominates the end of Rue Foch, which is lined with regal townhouses and government buildings. You’ll often see couples snapping engagement shots here or locals strolling past with gelato in hand. The details are worth a closer look—check out the bas-reliefs depicting the king’s victories and scenes of peace and prosperity.
Occasionally, the arch is open to visitors during special events, and you can climb to the top for a rare view over the rooftops of Montpellier’s old town. Even if you’re just passing through, it’s an essential stop for soaking up the city’s stately side.
10. Place de la Canourgue
Best for café lounging & local charm
This square is one of Montpellier’s best-kept secrets—tucked away, slightly elevated, and full of old-world charm. Place de la Canourgue feels like a hidden garden in the middle of the city, framed by ivy-draped buildings, cobblestone paths, and leafy shade trees.
Locals love it because it’s quiet, stylish, and just far enough off the main drag that you can actually hear the clink of coffee cups and the murmur of conversation. There’s a small fountain, a whimsical unicorn statue (a nod to medieval lore), and several excellent cafés and restaurants where you can sit for hours with a glass of wine and not feel rushed.
You’ll also get an amazing side view of the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre’s towers, which peek out from behind the square. If you’re a sucker for that golden-hour glow on old limestone buildings, this place absolutely delivers.
11. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Best for day-trippers & lovers of medieval villages
If there’s one day trip you have to take from Montpellier, it’s to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert—a village so beautiful it almost doesn’t seem real. Nestled in a lush canyon along the Verdus River, about 45 minutes northwest of the city, this UNESCO-listed gem is one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” and it earns that title easily.
The town is built around the Abbey of Gellone, a serene Romanesque monastery that dates back to the 9th century. But the real magic is in the village itself—narrow stone lanes, cascading flowers, vine-covered walls, and a peaceful square shaded by centuries-old plane trees.
You can hike nearby trails (like parts of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle) or explore the Gorges de l’Hérault, a dramatic river gorge perfect for kayaking or swimming in summer. Even just wandering through Saint-Guilhem is like stepping into a postcard—except it’s real, and you’re there.
Final Thoughts
Montpellier might not be as famous as Paris or Nice, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s effortlessly cool, deeply historic, and full of surprises—whether you’re sipping wine at a château, hiking up Pic Saint-Loup, or getting lost in cobbled alleyways. And with places like Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert just a short drive away, you get the best of both city and countryside in one trip.