The wonders of Montpellier, for a weekend!

Are you planning to stay in the sunny city of Montpellier, and the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea is certainly not unrelated. Be aware that other wonders await you there, cultural, architectural and historical in particular. Let us review a few of them, to guide you towards the best spots for a weekend creating memories in Montpellier!

#1 La place de la Comédie

Nicknamed the egg for its oval shape, the place de la Comédie is, with the esplanade surrounding it, among the largest pedestrian areas in France. It is a symbol of Montpellier and its central position makes it an ideal meeting place, generally by its Fontaine des Trois Grâces.

Bordered by historic buildings, you can notably admire the monumental façade of the Opéra Comédie, whose building dates back to the 17th century. To the north, next to the Gaumont cinema, a building is nicknamed the scaphandrier because of the shape of its roof. Under the helmet thus represented, are engraved the sources of the city’s wealth in the 19th century: the railway and the vine.

Depending on the period of your visit, you may be fortunate enough to be present at one of the events enriching the life of the square each year: the Comédie du livre in May, the wine market in autumn or the Christmas market.

#2 Le quartier moderne

Those who enjoy shopping will note that reaching this quarter from the aforementioned square allows you to pass near one of the largest French shopping centres: the Polygone. An opportunity to do some window shopping!

Once you arrive in the modern quarter, you will quickly notice that the buildings are worth a look. Designed by imaginative architects, you will first admire the town hall, of cubic form in glass and aluminium. Le Nuage, the first inflatable private building in Europe signed by Philippe Starck, will leave you astounded. L’Arbre Blanc, combining the talents of a renowned Japanese architect and young French talents, is undoubtedly the most astonishing residential building you have seen. Finally, you will inevitably be drawn to the buildings of the Antigone quarter, which we will return to.

#3 Le quartier de l’Ecusson

Returning to the place de la Comédie, the historic centre of Montpellier opens its arms on the other side. Very extensive, it will offer you a thousand wonders such as the multiple artisan boutiques, private mansions some of which you can visit, and an overall enchanting architecture.

Places not to be missed include the rue des Trésoriers de la Bourse, the place and church of Sainte-Anne, the Sainte-Foy chapel or the church of Saint-Roche, saint patron of the city. End with the Tour de Babote, a remnant of the ancient ramparts which also served as an astronomy observatory in the 18th century.

#4 La cathédrale Saint-Pierre

Gothic Cathedral of Saint Peter at dusk in Montpellier, Occitanie, France

Do not leave the quarter without visiting the cathedral, which deserves a thorough visit. It is the largest Gothic monument in the region, with architecture and riches worth the detour. Under the impulse of Pope Urbain V, the chapel of the Monastery-College Saint-Benoît Saint-Germain built in 1364 became a cathedral in 1536 to house the episcopal seat of the region.

Three towers rise high towards the sky today, the fourth original having been destroyed during the Protestant iconoclastic movements of 1567. The architecture reveals the fortress role which earned the cathedral the nickname “Fort Saint-Pierre” in the 16th century. Machicoulis, battlements and walkway are thus mixed with religious architecture. The entrance has a porch surrounded by two massive pillars connected to the cathedral by a vault.

Everything is majestic inside, from the altar surrounded by a vermeil retable to the organ designed by Jean-François Lépine in 1778, via the seven bells of which four are hung in the west tower and for religious use. The bourdon is the deepest in the region and measures 171 cm in diameter for four tonnes!

#5 Le jardin des plantes

Not far from there, enter the jardin des plantes of Montpellier, created by Henri IV in the 16th century and originally dedicated to the study of medicinal plants. Spread over four hectares, it is the oldest botanical garden in France.

You can visit it freely or choose to be guided (to be reserved in advance!). Various routes are proposed, to base the visit on knowledge of medicinal plants, useful plants or the history of the place.

#6 La place Royale du Peyrou

This is an esplanade of over four hectares near the Jardin des plantes, offering the possibility of a walk rich in views. It will give you an unobstructed panorama over the city and surroundings, as well as over the 18th-century aqueduct which formerly served to bring water to the city centre: a route of over 14 kilometres!

The 17th-century Arc de Triomphe symbolises the entrance to the Ecusson quarter, and you can make a request to the tourist office to climb to the top. Among the statues you will see is an equestrian representation of Louis XIV. Finally, if the strange arrangement of stones in an arc intrigues you, know that it is an analemmatic sundial whose gnomon is often replaced by a standing man casting his shadow to read the time.

#7 Le quartier Antigone

Lovers of architecture will not miss this place representative of Ancient Greek architecture. A true journey back in time is offered to you, in a neoclassical style. The Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill, thanks to ivory-coloured façades and long columns, inserts an ancient atmosphere into a quarter nevertheless resolutely modern. Effect guaranteed!

From the esplanade of Europe, heart of the Antigone quarter, walk to the place du Nombre d’Or, the place du Millénaire or that of Thessalie. The Olympic pool and the Maison de la Poésie will pleasantly complete your immersion in this particular place.

#8 Le château de Flaugergues

Situated approximately three kilometres from the city centre, you can access it by car, bus or tram. This castle is one of the oldest secondary residences of the bourgeoisie who gathered there for epic festivities.

Classified as a historical monument since 1949 and still inhabited, it remains open to visit: 18th-century furniture, tapestries and elegant gardens await you there. A sculpted staircase, known as “with a hanging key”, rises over three floors without the support of any pillar and constitutes a unique wonder of this place. The attached vineyard will also offer you the opportunity for a tasting in the cellar!

Sun and sea are certainly not the only motivations for a stay in Montpellier, for those who suspect what riches it contains. In rainy weather, the Odysseum (leisure centre with ice rink and planetarium), various museums (Fabre museum, MOCO) or the various nearby caves will know how to occupy the traveller. Finally, for a guided and commented tour of the city, you can choose to explore the city by Segway. Enjoy your stay!