Montpellier packs an impressive number of attractions into its compact historic center. You can walk from the Place de la ComĂ©die to the Promenade du Peyrou in 10 minutes, and most sights sit within a 1.5 km radius of the city center. The city has France’s oldest botanical garden (founded 1593), one of the country’s finest art museums outside Paris, and a medieval old town with over 70 mansions (hĂ´tels particuliers) dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Here are the top things to do in Montpellier, organized by category.
Things to Do in Montpellier: Historic Landmarks and Architecture
Place de la Comédie
The city’s main square and natural meeting point. The oval-shaped plaza is dominated by the OpĂ©ra ComĂ©die (1888) and the Three Graces fountain (1773). Surrounded by Haussmann-style buildings with ground-floor cafĂ©s, it’s free to visit 24/7. The tourist office sits at the southern end and offers free city maps. Tram lines 1 and 2 stop directly at the square. Avoid the cafĂ©s directly on the square for meals , they charge EUR 5 to EUR 7 for an espresso versus EUR 2 to EUR 3 one street back. See our Montpellier hub guide for more details.
Promenade du Peyrou
This elevated royal square offers the best panoramic views of Montpellier, stretching to the CĂ©vennes mountains on clear days. The centerpiece is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV (1718). At the western end stands the Château d’Eau, a hexagonal water tower fed by the 18th-century Saint-ClĂ©ment aqueduct (Les Arceaux), which stretches 880 meters with two tiers of arches. Free access, open daily. A farmers market sets up under the aqueduct arches on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, selling local produce, cheese, and oysters. See our weather by month for more details.
Montpellier Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre)
Originally a 14th-century Benedictine chapel, the cathedral was expanded in the 16th century after the Wars of Religion. Its most striking feature is the porch supported by two massive cylindrical columns (15 meters tall) that double as bell towers , a unique design in European Gothic architecture. Free entry, open Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 7:00pm, Sunday 9:30am to 12:00pm. The interior is Gothic with a relatively austere decoration, reflecting its history as a Protestant stronghold before reconversion. See our best time to visit for more details.
Arc de Triomphe (Porte du Peyrou)
Built in 1691 to honor Louis XIV, this triumphal arch stands at the entrance to the Promenade du Peyrou. You can climb to the top for city views (EUR 3, open during guided tours only , check at the tourist office on Place de la ComĂ©die for the daily schedule). The bas-reliefs depict key events from Louis XIV’s reign, including the construction of the Canal du Midi. See our events and festivals for more details.
Things to Do in Montpellier: Museums and Art
Musée Fabre
Montpellier’s premier art museum, housed in a former Jesuit college with a striking modern glass-and-steel wing added in 2007. The collection spans European art from the Renaissance to contemporary, with particular strength in 19th-century French painting (Delacroix, Courbet, Bazille) and an important collection of works by Montpellier native FrĂ©dĂ©ric Bazille. Entry costs EUR 9 (EUR 6 reduced, free first Sunday of each month). Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm, closed Mondays. Allow 2 to 3 hours. The museum shop sells good-quality art books and prints. See our neighborhoods for more details.
MO.CO. Panacée
A contemporary art center in a renovated 16th-century medical college in the Écusson. The rotating exhibitions feature emerging international artists. Free entry. Open Wednesday to Sunday 11:00am to 7:00pm. The courtyard café is a good spot for a break away from tourist crowds. Check the current exhibition at moco.art before visiting , shows change every 3 to 4 months. See our where to stay for more details.
Things to Do in Montpellier: Outdoor Spaces and Nature
Jardin des Plantes
France’s oldest botanical garden, founded in 1593 by Pierre Richer de Belleval for teaching medical students. The 4.5-hectare garden contains over 2,500 plant species including a 300-year-old Ginkgo biloba and a lotus pond. Free entry. Open Tuesday to Sunday: June to September 12:00pm to 8:00pm, October to May 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Closed Mondays. The English section near the back is the quietest area for reading or a picnic. See our travel tips for more details.
Planet Ocean World
A large aquarium and ocean discovery center located 3 km south of the center in the Odysseum shopping district. The main tank holds 1.5 million liters and features sharks, rays, and sea turtles. There’s also a planetarium and a hurricane simulator. Adult tickets cost EUR 15.50, children 3 to 12 pay EUR 11.50. Open daily 10:00am to 7:00pm (last entry 5:30pm). Take tram line 1 to Odysseum terminus , the journey from Place de la ComĂ©die takes about 20 minutes.
Les Arceaux Aqueduct and Market
The 18th-century Saint-Clément aqueduct stretches across the Les Arceaux neighborhood, creating a dramatic arcaded backdrop for the twice-weekly farmers market. On Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 7:00am to 1:00pm, local producers sell goat cheese, honey, seasonal vegetables, fresh pasta, and oysters from the nearby Étang de Thau. Buy a picnic here and walk up to the Promenade du Peyrou for lunch with a view. The market gets busy by 10:00am , arrive before 9:00am for the best selection.
Things to Do in Montpellier: Day Trips and Beaches
Palavas-les-Flots
The closest beach town, 12 km south of Montpellier. A long sandy beach with lifeguard stations in summer (June to September), beachfront restaurants, and a 19th-century lighthouse you can climb for EUR 3. Bus line 631 runs from the city center (stop: Place de l’Europe) to Palavas in 35 minutes, costing EUR 1.60. In July and August, a dedicated beach shuttle (Navette des Plages) runs more frequently. The beach gets packed on summer weekends , go on a weekday or before 10:00am to claim a spot.
Pic Saint-Loup
A distinctive mountain peak (658 meters) 25 km north of Montpellier, named for its resemblance to a reclining wolf. The standard hiking route takes about 2 hours round-trip from the trailhead at Cazevieille (30-minute drive from Montpellier). The trail is well-marked and suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. At the summit, you get 360-degree views of the Mediterranean coast, the CĂ©vennes, and on very clear days, Mont Ventoux and the Pyrenees. The surrounding vineyards produce Pic Saint-Loup AOC wines , several domaines offer tastings (EUR 5 to EUR 10 for a flight). No public transport reaches the trailhead; you’ll need a car or a guided tour (EUR 45 to EUR 65 per person).
