last edited May 13, 2020
What to See in Montpellier
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Location Map of Montpellier
Montpellier
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Overview
Sites, Monuments, and Architectural Ensembles
Antigone
This Montpellier district was designed by architect Ricardo Bofill in 1978. Revolutionary for its time, its style is inspired by ancient Greek architecture (... and some of its statues). Interesting for architecture or urban planning enthusiasts.
This Montpellier district was designed by architect Ricardo Bofill in 1978. Revolutionary for its time, its style is inspired by ancient Greek architecture (... and some of its statues). Interesting for architecture or urban planning enthusiasts.
Arceaux Aqueduct
Officially named the Saint-Clément Aqueduct. It dates from the 18th century and was inspired by the Pont du Gard.
Officially named the Saint-Clément Aqueduct. It dates from the 18th century and was inspired by the Pont du Gard.
Triumphal Arch
Extending the Promenade du Peyrou, this monument erected in 1691 is dedicated to the glory of King Louis XIV, whose equestrian statue can also be seen in the same promenade.
Extending the Promenade du Peyrou, this monument erected in 1691 is dedicated to the glory of King Louis XIV, whose equestrian statue can also be seen in the same promenade.
Flaugergues Castle
This beautiful estate is what is known locally as a "Montpellier folly"—luxurious and spacious houses with ornamental gardens built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Among them, Flaugergues is currently the oldest and best-preserved.
This beautiful estate is what is known locally as a "Montpellier folly"—luxurious and spacious houses with ornamental gardens built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Among them, Flaugergues is currently the oldest and best-preserved.
Château de la Mogère
Like Flaugergues, la Mogère is one of Montpellier’s "folies." The estate and its park date back to 1715.
Like Flaugergues, la Mogère is one of Montpellier’s "folies." The estate and its park date back to 1715.
The Écusson
This is the name given to old Montpellier, characterized by its shape resembling an ancient French shield. The area is lively with its shops, bars, and restaurants. It also offers visitors its narrow streets, squares, as well as stunning private mansions and some beautiful Haussmann-style facades.
This is the name given to old Montpellier, characterized by its shape resembling an ancient French shield. The area is lively with its shops, bars, and restaurants. It also offers visitors its narrow streets, squares, as well as stunning private mansions and some beautiful Haussmann-style facades.
Place de la Canourgue
The former central square of Montpellier is still surrounded by several 17th-century mansions. It’s popular for its shaded terraces.
The former central square of Montpellier is still surrounded by several 17th-century mansions. It’s popular for its shaded terraces.
Place de la Comédie
This is the city’s central square, at the heart of what was once the medieval old town. Today, it is lined with Haussmann-style buildings and is a lively, must-see spot. Together with its esplanade, it forms one of the largest pedestrian zones in France.
This is the city’s central square, at the heart of what was once the medieval old town. Today, it is lined with Haussmann-style buildings and is a lively, must-see spot. Together with its esplanade, it forms one of the largest pedestrian zones in France.
Religious Buildings
Saint-Pierre Cathedral
In the heart of the old town, this is the most significant Gothic monument in Montpellier and one of the largest churches in the region.
In the heart of the old town, this is the most significant Gothic monument in Montpellier and one of the largest churches in the region.
Chapel of the White Penitents
Officially called Sainte-Foy Chapel, its main attraction is its richly painted and decorated Baroque-style interior.
Officially called Sainte-Foy Chapel, its main attraction is its richly painted and decorated Baroque-style interior.
Museums
Atger Museum
Drawings from the French, Italian, and Flemish schools, from the Renaissance to the 19th century, originating from the Atger donation. This museum is located at the Faculty of Medicine in Montpellier, which also houses an Anatomy Museum.
Drawings from the French, Italian, and Flemish schools, from the Renaissance to the 19th century, originating from the Atger donation. This museum is located at the Faculty of Medicine in Montpellier, which also houses an Anatomy Museum.
Fabre Museum
This 18th-century mansion is one of France’s most important regional museums. It houses several thousand paintings (including works by major artists), engravings, drawings, sculptures, and art objects spanning roughly from the 15th century to the present day.
This 18th-century mansion is one of France’s most important regional museums. It houses several thousand paintings (including works by major artists), engravings, drawings, sculptures, and art objects spanning roughly from the 15th century to the present day.
Languedoc Museum
A history and archaeology museum specialising primarily in the heritage of the Languedoc region.
A history and archaeology museum specialising primarily in the heritage of the Languedoc region.
Old Montpellier Museum
Collections of furniture, paintings, and various objects linked to Montpellier's history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, housed in a former private mansion.
Collections of furniture, paintings, and various objects linked to Montpellier's history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, housed in a former private mansion.
Parks, Gardens, and Natural Spaces
Botanical Garden
This is the oldest botanical garden in France, founded in 1593. It covers nearly 5 hectares in the heart of the city.
This is the oldest botanical garden in France, founded in 1593. It covers nearly 5 hectares in the heart of the city.
Peyrou Promenade
Also known as the Royal Square of Peyrou. Covering 4.5 hectares, this spot is a pleasant place for a stroll, featuring a charming water tower from the late 18th century. Montpellier’s Arc de Triomphe extends from it.
Also known as the Royal Square of Peyrou. Covering 4.5 hectares, this spot is a pleasant place for a stroll, featuring a charming water tower from the late 18th century. Montpellier’s Arc de Triomphe extends from it.
Montpellier Zoo
An educational farm, a nature reserve, an Amazon greenhouse, and several "biozones" make up this vast 80-hectare space, home to around a thousand animals.
An educational farm, a nature reserve, an Amazon greenhouse, and several "biozones" make up this vast 80-hectare space, home to around a thousand animals.
Additional Information
Recommended
The Écusson
★★★ This is the name given to old Montpellier, characterized by its shape resembling an ancient French shield. The area is lively with its…
Place de la Comédie
★★★ This is the city’s central square, at the heart of what was once the medieval old town. Today, it is lined with Haussmann-style…
Worth a look / Other
Saint-Pierre Cathedral (Montpellier)
★★ In the heart of the old town, this is the most significant Gothic monument in Montpellier and one of the largest churches in the region.
Flaugergues Castle
★★ This beautiful estate is what is known locally as a "Montpellier folly"—luxurious and spacious houses with ornamental gardens built…
Jardin des Plantes (Montpellier)
★★ This is the oldest botanical garden in France, founded in 1593. It covers nearly 5 hectares in the heart of the city.
Fabre Museum
★★ This 18th-century mansion is one of France’s most important regional museums. It houses several thousand paintings (including works…
Peyrou Promenade
★★ Also known as the Royal Square of Peyrou. Covering 4.5 hectares, this spot is a pleasant place for a stroll, featuring a charming water…
Antigone
★ This Montpellier district was designed by architect Ricardo Bofill in 1978. Revolutionary for its time, its style is inspired by ancient…
Arceaux Aqueduct
★ Officially named the Saint-Clément Aqueduct. It dates from the 18th century and was inspired by the Pont du Gard.
Montpellier Triumphal Arch
★ Extending the Promenade du Peyrou, this monument erected in 1691 is dedicated to the glory of King Louis XIV, whose equestrian statue can…
Chapel of the White Penitents (Montpellier)
★ Officially called Sainte-Foy Chapel, its main attraction is its richly painted and decorated Baroque-style interior.
Château de la Mogère
★ Like Flaugergues, la Mogère is one of Montpellier’s "folies." The estate and its park date back to 1715.
Atger Museum
★ Drawings from the French, Italian, and Flemish schools, from the Renaissance to the 19th century, originating from the Atger donation. This…
Old Montpellier Museum
★ Collections of furniture, paintings, and various objects linked to Montpellier's history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, housed…
Languedoc Museum
★ A history and archaeology museum specialising primarily in the heritage of the Languedoc region.
Place de la Canourgue
★ The former central square of Montpellier is still surrounded by several 17th-century mansions. It’s popular for its shaded terraces.
Montpellier Zoo
★ An educational farm, a nature reserve, an Amazon greenhouse, and several "biozones" make up this vast 80-hectare space, home to around a…
- Place de la Comédie
- Fabre Museum
- Languedoc Museum
- Atger Museum
- Old Montpellier Museum
- The Écusson
- Montpellier Triumphal Arch
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral (Montpellier)
- Peyrou Promenade
- Flaugergues Castle
- Antigone
- Montpellier Zoo
- Château de la Mogère
- Chapel of the White Penitents (Montpellier)
- Jardin des Plantes (Montpellier)
- Arceaux Aqueduct
- Place de la Canourgue