Hotels in Arrondissement of Montpellier

Montpellier is a city that instantly charms the people who set foot in its cobblestone walkways. It offers all that Paris is — the gastronomy, the architecture, and the style — but in a more accessible fashion. A bonus would be its proximity to the sea. As such, it also stuns with amazing beachside views and dining. Indeed, visiting Montpellier would be a great trip for every kind of interest whether it be fashion, food, or history.

How to Get There

Located eight kilometres outside the city centre, Montpellier Méditerranée Airport serves travellers going in and out of Montpellier. Driving to and from the airport takes around 10 minutes. Meanwhile, you can also use a taxi, tram, or shuttle service.

If you want to travel via taxi, you can easily book this by downloading the application Mon Appli Taxi. Hailing is also a choice which you can do right outside the arrivals terminal. A tram is also available for tourists to take from the airport directly to the city centre. As for the shuttle service, it drops off passengers at Place de l’Europe and the trip would only take 15 minutes.

Getting Around

Most of Montpellier’s city centre is highly pedestrianized. There are certain fixed hours for vehicles to access the roads. It is recommended that if you do decide to rent a vehicle, you should leave it in parking lots in the city and go around on foot since it is the most ideal.

Public transportation is also a good option to get to places faster. A transport service ran by the TAM (Transportation for the Urban Area of Montpellier) offers services such as the tram, the bus, and bikes. The tram lines run in the city early every day. It is a clear standout since the trams are designed by artists like Christian Lacroix so they are a tourist attraction on its own.

On the other hand, the bus lines take you around the city as well. In the summer, it operates at a later time to service partygoers. For those who choose to bike, the Velomagg is a great service for everyone. These are self-service bikes available for everyone.

Top Things to Do

More often than not, your first stop in Montpellier is the Place de la Comédie. The plaza has a lively ambiance to it since it is the main spot for all the city has to offer. The streets surrounding this area is littered with museums and statues, as well as french shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a stone’s throw away from almost everything. In the middle of it, the Three Graces fountain can be seen. It served as the symbol of Montpellier since 1790. Free performances are also seen here whether it be magic tricks, dancing, and singing. The famous 18th-century L’Opera Comedie Theatre is located nearby. You can catch upcoming shows during your stay as well.

The Promenade du Peyrou is another meetup spot at Montpellier. The vibe is completely different here compared to the Place de la Comedie. It is a lot more relaxed thanks to all the greenery around. You can enjoy a picnic and play with friends and family. You can also relax and then eventually enjoy the sunset view.

The promenade is a short walk away from Montpellier’s own Arc de Triomphe, which is a regal entryway that is modeled after Paris’ very own. The Chateau d’Eau is at the end of the aqueduct of the city. It is a panoramic view because it is at the very top of Montpellier. You can also enjoy a view of the city in one of the spires of the spectacular Cathedrale St. Pierre, the city’s most iconic Gothic structure. Founded in 1364, this cathedral stuns visitors with its glass windows and organ that was built using wood and gold.

If you are travelling as a group, Montpellier Zoological Park would be a great place to visit, especially for families. The zoo stands on the land owned by Henri de Lunaret and it was donated by him on the purpose of using it for charity. It has been around since 1964 and it has then become a nature reserve by the Lez River. Children can enjoy the educational farm that helps them care for goats.

Escaping the city to see the Hérault coast is also a must. It is only 20 minutes away from Montpellier. Pop-up bars are also a must-try because of the fun crowd. Montpellier has a young population so there would be a lot of these.

What to Eat

Every foodie, particularly wine connoisseurs, would know that Montpellier is the world’s largest wine region in the world. Most of the products coming from this region are highly regarded. It is also littered with Michelin starred dining areas. Recommending a particular spot would be quite tough.

La Maison Derrière L'Église is the hippest restaurant you can dine in. It has a romantic courtyard that surrounds you with contemporary art. They also have the best steak in the city. Meanwhile, Le Jardin des Sens is a 3-star Michelin experience. They have a distinctive cuisine that only makes you think of fresh local ingredients. Menu highlights would be the lobster rolls with duck and mangoes. There are also chocolate desserts with bananas that you have to try. They also have a fromage-blanc ice cream that has been highly raved. Booking is needed before dining.

In L'Heure Bleue you will be surrounded by exotic objects and fabrics while having delicious food and tea. Most of the time, just walking in the side streets of the city will lead you to a restaurant and dining in Montpellier will always be a great choice.

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Montpellier would depend on your personal preference and budget. If you choose to stay in or near Place de la Comedie, this would take you near a number of the sights as well as restaurants and shops. Convenience stores are also in the area.

In the neighbourhood of L’Ecusson, you will easily stumble into various historical sites. It is a short distance away from museums, art galleries, and bohemian restaurants. Alternative bars can also be seen here as well as various vintage boutiques that are also near high-end ones.

Port Marianne is the new upcoming part of the city which has been attracting the younger population. It is a good middle ground between staying in the city as well as nature because of its proximity to the beach.

Travel Tips