Montpellier Travel Guide

Montpellier is a French commune located in the Hérault department in southern France.

Population: 561,326 inhabitants

Population Density: 4,651 per km²

Name of Inhabitants: the Montpelliérains

Nickname: Clapassièrs ou Clapassencs

Région : Languedoc-Roussilllon

Postal Code : 34000, 34070, 34080, 34090

The largest part of Montpellier’s center is a pedestrian area that isn’t accessible to vehicles except during certain fixed hours. We recommend leaving your cars in the parking lots within the city and taking public transportation, which is ideal for getting yourself around.

This transport service is managed by the TAM (Transportation for the Urban Area of Montpellier) network that offers different services, including the tram, the bus, and bikes.

Map of the TAM network

TRAMWAY AND BUSES

IThere are four tram lines in Montpellier that run from 4:30 am to 1:30 am (2:30 am on Friday and Saturday nights) every day of the year (except May 1st). Montpellier’s trams were designed by renown artists including Christian Lacroix. 84 stations are serviced by the tram and you can reach the city center easily thanks to these four lines. Line 2 allows you to access the Place de la Comédie, the legendary must-see location in Montpellier, and line 1 services the SNCF station, Montpellier Saint-Roch.

The 36 bus lines insure an equivalent route to all tram lines. The minibus at night handles late-night travel to the urban center’s different communes.
During the summer, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the TAM network offers a bus service called Amigo for the night owls that want to go out and party.

1-trip tickets costs 1,50 €* each, however we recommend the price for a 1-day pass, which is valid on the entire network for 24 hours after its purchase, sold for 4 €*. The 7-day fare is also available at 15,60 €*. If you want to visit Montpellier with the family, a 6-person ticket is available for a group of 2-5 people traveling together

Plus d'informations sur les tarifs ici.

BY CAR

Driving around in Montpellier isn’t easy, but you’ll have the chance to leave your car in the outer part of the city center. In fact, the TAM network offers many parking lots including seven that are downtown with different services. Other parking lots are also available outside the city center.

Here is a map that will allow you to orient yourself.

Multiple taxis are available for long trips, short ones, or visiting Montpellier and its surroundings.

A car sharing service was created by the TAM network. Called Modulauto, it allows you to use a car when you need it, during the day or night.

BICYCLES

Vélomagg' is a service for everyone, for all needs (leisure, professional, daily, or occasional). These self-service bikes are available throughout the year and you’ll have access to 51 bikestations. You can take the bikes directly from the terminal with your banking card. The price is 0.50 euros/h.

Find more information about prices at TAM sur TAM.

TRAIN

The Montpellier Saint-Roch rain station serves the cities on the TER lines like Nîmes and Narbonne. Intercité trains leaving from this station offer connections to the neighboring regions (Midi-Pyrénées and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) as well as to Luxembourg, Strasbourg, and Portbou in Spain.
The TGVs will take you to Geneva, Barcelona, Madrid, and Paris-Gare de Lyon (in 4 hours maximum) but also other French cities.

For more information go to the SNCF

Aiplanes

The Montpellier Méditerranée Airport is located 10 minutes from the city center. You can get there by taxi (with a fare between 20 and 40 euros, which can vary due to the number of people). An airport shuttle (line 120) is available at the Place de l’Europe stop on tram line 1 in the direction of Odysseum. It will take you directly to the airport and in just 15 minutes. The trip is free for kids under 5 and a single shuttle ticket costs 1.60 euros. The single tram+shuttle ticket is 2.60 euros and the tram is free for kids under 3.
In 2013, Montpellier Méditerranée Aiport welcomed 1,400,000 passengers. It services many cities like Casablanca, Alger, Lyon, Paris, Strasbourg, Rome, Munich, and Rotterdam.

For more information, you can go to the :  www.montpellier.aeroport.fr/fr/passagers

Thankfully, Montpellier enjoys a Mediterranean climate and a rich cultural heritage. Additionally, it is a big town for students and is pretty lively. You’ll have the chance to go see its neighborhoods, monuments, tourist attractions, and nearby cities at any time throughout the year. The summer and fall are the seasons that can be especially pleasant.


- During the summer, you can enjoy some sun as well as the beaches nearby like Palavas-les-Flots or Villeneuve-Lès-Maguelone, located 10 kilometers southwest of Montpellier. In particular, you’ll discover the city, the historical center, as well as its museums.

The Summer Festivals of Montpellier takes place every Saturday evening throughout the whole summer and highlights the area’s wealth, as well as brings support to the wine-making industry. You can attend musical parties with dances, tastings, and a night-time market. The event takes place on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle and you’ll have the chance to take a guided tour of the historical center of Montpellier that lasts an hour and a half. This joyous time of the year will allow you to share happy and memorable moments whether it is alone, with family, or among friends.

- The fall is also a good time to visit, since Montpellier is calmer than during the summer. You’ll visit its neighborhoods and its surroundings more easily, which include various landscapes with still very pleasant temperatures.

The International Guitar Festival is a rather famous music festival that takes place in Montpellier every year in the fall. It highlights the guitar in all its forms during this well-awaited cultural gathering. You’ll enjoy an original and electric atmosphere with the big names of music, but also lesser-known new people that are trying to make a name for themselves. There will be something there for all tastes thanks to a very eclectic program.

During one day in September, the music and artistic performance festival, 2+2=5 will help you discover emerging artists. There is plenty of friendliness and good vibes and you’ll get to attend performances by all musical genres ranging from pop, to electro, to reggae, to hip hop, and plenty of others.

Tourism Office of Montpellier: 04 67 60 60 60

Police aid: 17

Police aid from a cellphone:  112

Ambulance: 15

Fire: 18

Missing Children: 116000

Transportation:

TAM : http://www.tam-voyages.com

Taxi: http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/en/by-taxi

Montpellier Méditerannée Airport : http://www.montpellier.aeroport.fr/en/passagers

Museums and Touristic Sites:

The musée Fabre: http://museefabre.montpellier-agglo.com

The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: http://www.cathedrale-montpellier.fr

La place de la Comédie: http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/en/annuaire/the-place-de-la-comedie.html

L'Arc de Triomphe: http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/en/the-triumphal-arch

La place royale du Peyrou: http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/en/annuaire/peyrou-the-royal-square.html

Le Jardin des Plantes: http://www.univ-montp1.fr/patrimoine/jardin_des_plantes

Faculté de Medecine: http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/la-faculte-de-medecine

The Odysseum: http://www.flaugergues.com/US/index-en.html

Château de Flaugergues: http://www.flaugergues.com

In the surrounding area:

The Gorges de l'Hérault: http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/en/annuaire/office-de-tourisme-saint-guilhem-le-desert-vallee-de-l-herault.html

Nîmes: http://www.ot-nimes.fr/index.php?L=1

Pont du Gard: http://www.pontdugard.fr/en

The Canal du Midi: http://www.canalmidi.com/

La Camargue: http://www.camargue.fr/

Sète: http://en.tourisme-sete.com/

La Grande Motte: http://www.lagrandemotte.com/eng

Accommodation:

The prices indicated below are just for reference and include a standard double room. The prices may vary depending on the season.

-From 30 to 50 euros, For this very affordable price, you can stay in two or three star hotels near the city center with functional amenities and basic services.

- From 50 to 80 euros, Starting at 50 euros, you can stay in cozy 4-star establishments that are often located in the city center or in a charming neighborhood.

- From 80 to 120 euros, The hotels that have prices like these are generally more elegant and very chic.

- Over 120 euros, the luxurious comfort of 5 star hotels with enchant you and you won’t want to leave so early!

Take a look at our website to find a place to stay in Montpellier.

Restaurants:

The prices below are just for reference and include the price of a dish/meal for one person.

Less than 10 euros

• The Coffee Club welcomes you to the heart of the historic center of Montpellier. You’ll taste some delicious coffee, but also succulent cakes, brownies, and cookies, as well as savory sandwiches. You’ll also be able to have breakfast. .
  (The Coffee Club, 12 Rue Saint-Guilhem)
• Under the summer heat, you’ll be able to refresh yourself at Amorino one of the best Italian ice cream shops in the city that offers an exploration of Italy through artisanal and especially original ice cream!
  (Amorino, 12 rue de la Loge)

A casual lunch or dinner (between 10 and 30 euros)

• Want to discover or rediscover Mediterranean cuisine? Then go to Soledad,a charming restaurant located in the very center of Montpellier, where you can enjoy the experience with original dishes, but also succulent bowls of ice cream.
  (Soledad, 4, rue des Ecoles-Laïques)
• Saveurs Et Sens is a must-visit gourmet restaurant in Montpellier. There, you’ll discover large plates made with quality products in a warm and romantic environment.
  (Saveurs Et Sens, 55 Rue Alexandre Cabanel)

An important occasion (more than 30 euros)

• L’Alliance des plaisirs. located in the Saint-Roch neighborhood, will offer you refined cuisine that is both modern and gourmet. Enjoy the sampler meal with 5 dishes from the talented chef, Vincent Valat.
  (L’Alliance des plaisirs, 19 cours Mirabeau)
• L’Atelier Gourmand is known for its exceptional French cuisine. You’ll dine in 19th century home, only in downtown Montpellier. You’ll appreciate the explosion of flavors that you’ll find on your plates. Also, the recipes are exclusively made with fresh products.
  (L’Atelier Gourmand, 17 Avenue du Pont Juvénal)

• The Café Joseph is a lively place that energizes the nights in Montpellier. You’ll have the choice between different cocktails, beers, wines, and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. Since 2010, the Café Joseph has been serving customers continually from noon to midnight. To find yourself in a unique setting, go to Circus located by Place Jean Juarès. This classic spot for night life in Montpellier is decorated in a really original way: with a circus theme. Bottles of beer start at 5 € and cocktails at 8.50 €.

You can go out and discover Montpellier with its little medieval streets, but also its surroundings and nearby beaches. This city will entice you with its décor that brings together modernity and history with its dynamism, its lively neighborhoods, and its more-than-pleasant weather. Here are a few suggestions for stops and information that can help during your stay in the region.

• The Musée Fabre is the main art museum in Montpellier. There you’ll find exhibits as well as collections of works from artists such as Eugene Delacroix and Gustave Courbet. The Musée Farbre is considered one of the most important museums in southern France. It costs 6€ at full price and 4€ at reduced price, for those aged 6-18. More information about hours and prices can be found here.
• The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is located in the old part of Montpellier, Ecusson. This is a representative example of southern French gothic architecture and one of the only medieval churches to have survived the religious wars. Entry is free and visitors can visit at their leisure.
• The Place de la Comédie is a must-see spot in Montpellier. It is one of the biggest pedestrian squares in Europe, dominated by the Opéra Comédie. There you’ll find many restaurants, old boutiques, as well as street artists. The square is accessible with tram line 2 and is close to the historical center.
• The Odysseum is an open-aired leisure and commercial center. There you find restaurants, department stores, as well as leisure centers. To get there, you can take tram line 1. This neighborhood is located just outside Montpellier. Inside, you can visit the animal park, Aquarium Mare Nostrum, and for the more reckless, the rock wall at the Altissimo Montpellier Odysseum is waiting for you.

Close to Montpellier

• About 30 kilometers from Montpellier, the Gorges de l'Hérault are a wild place. There you can swim, but also do some hiking, rock climbing, and canoeing. You can get there by car or by bus with line 108.
• To get a bit away from Montpellier, you’ll have the chance to go to Nîmes. Located one hour from Montpellier by car, find various monuments including the Pont du Gard as well as the Arènes de Nîmes. This city is overflowing with history and art, and will leave you with plenty of memories. For the thrill seekers, there are “ferias” and bull-fighting that take place there.
• Sète is the first port in the French Mediterranean. It inspired many poets, like Paul Valery. You can walk along the quay and visit the neighborhoods that are so typical of the city of Georges Brassens, as well as the market, Les Halles, that is a big place for daily life in Sète.

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*This travel guide was published in November 2014, prices may then vary.