Local area and things to do

Montpellier, 11 km from the Mediterranean, is an ideal spot if you want discover a historical yet young city, rich in so many different resources and hidden treasures.

With a relaxed atmosphere, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hôtels particuliers (private mansions), stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep.

A southern city full of traditional and contemporary treasures, Montpellier is a Mediterranean crossroads, a charming and exceptional destination. A medieval city where the town centre, Place de la Comédie, Faculté de Médecine and Place Royale du Peyrou attract visitors from around the world, Montpellier is also a modern metropolis, open to contemporary architecture, science, culture and recreation.

But it also has many other assets. A protected area, made up of various landscapes between the sea 11km away, vineyards and mountains. A typical laid back Mediterranean atmosphere. Delicious food and wine bursting with sunshine. Exceptional cultural and sporting events...

Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. It was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly centre - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century.

In Montpellier, every neighbourhood is unique, illustrating 1,000 years of history.

Montpellier boasts numerous tiny medieval streets, which bear testament to its proud past. Rue de la Valfère, Rue du Bras de Fer, Rue de l'Argenterie are sure to take you back in time and introduce you to a whole new world.

Places to see

The place de la Comédie, Montpellier's iconic heart, is the top place to visit. Once known as the Place de l'Oeuf (Egg Square) because of its oval shape, it is one of the largest pedestrian precincts in Europe and is dominated by the imposing Opéra Comédie. In the centre, the 'Three Graces' stand proudly, a fountain and statue built in 1773.

The Musée Fabre de Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole is considered to be one of the finest Fine Arts Museums in Europe - its ancient and modern architecture makes it quite exceptional. It houses European works from the Renaissance to the present day and has a wing devoted exclusively to contemporary artist, Pierre Soulages.

For further visitor information please refer to the tourist information website.

Location