Visit Montpellier

Would you like to get away from it all and spend some quality time with family and friends in a healthy, natural environment? Take advantage of your stay at our Hérault campsite to discover the Languedoc region, and in particular its capital, Montpellier, around 50 km away.

Montpellier, a city steeped in history

Just 10 km from the Mediterranean, Montpellier is one of the most visited cities in the Hérault region. The destination is renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Visiting this city is like taking a giant leap into the distant past. Take the time to stroll through its medieval streets, and let yourself be seduced by the charm of its 19th-century buildings, or by the contemporary architectural gems whose designers have clearly demonstrated their audacity.

The Place de la Comédie is one of Europe’s largest pedestrian areas. A popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike, it is lined with numerous terraces. The setting is further enhanced by the beautiful facades that surround it, as well as by the city’s emblematic Opera House and the Fountain of the Three Graces.

Montpellier’s Cathedral Saint-Pierre is also well worth a visit. Recognizable by its Gothic architecture, but above all by its imposing baldachin porch, this religious edifice, whose origins date back to 1364 – when it was no more than a simple chapel – became a cathedral in 1536, following major enlargement and embellishment work. From its very beginnings, the church has been an integral part of Montpellier’s history, and to some extent that of France as a whole. It was particularly marked by the Wars of Religion, during which it was the target of numerous Protestant assaults.

Another place not to be missed is Place de la Carnougue, the city’s oldest square, perfect for a stroll with family or friends. The same goes for Place Royale, which overlooks the Arc de Triomphe and the water tower extended by the Saint-Clément aqueduct.

If you’ve still got some time to spare, take a detour to the Halles. From the city center, it’s easy to get to Montpellier airport, or to explore other nearby towns such as Sète or La Grande Motte.

Must-see places in Montpellier

There are many places of interest and even fascination for visitors to Montpellier. We have selected 10 sites that you should not miss during your stay:

L’Arc de Triomphe: The ascent of this iconic city landmark, with no fewer than 90 steps, is certainly physical, but once at the top you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Languedoc capital.
Jardin des Plantes: France’s oldest garden dates back to the 16th century. Part of the botanical department of the Faculty of Medicine, it’s an inviting place to stroll and relax.
Discover the Odysseum: The Odysseum is a modern monument of a special kind. It includes a cultural center with a planetarium and aquarium, as well as a shopping mall with several boutiques. There are also climbing walls.
The Faculty of Medicine: Montpellier’s historic city center is home to the world’s oldest practicing medical school. Take the time to discover the origins and evolution of this emblematic institution.
The historic center: The oldest part of the city is packed with places of interest, from centuries-old architectural gems to bold contemporary works. To explore the historic center, you can hop aboard a small train or platform minibus.
Lunaret Zoo: France’s largest zoological park, covering 80 hectares, welcomes families, couples and groups of friends. Visitors have the chance to discover the Lez nature reserve, animals, plants and the largest Amazonian greenhouse in France. Admission to the zoo is free, while admission to the greenhouse is not. The greenhouse is closed for renovation until further notice.
Place de la Comédie: The lively Place de la Comédie is one of the city’s landmarks. From here, you can stroll along the medieval streets that characterize the historic center, and enjoy the many boutiques, workshops, galleries and restaurants that line them.
Musée Fabre: This art museum, one of the largest in France and Europe, covers 9,200 m2 and showcases works of fine art from the 17th century to the present day.
The city’s opera house: Take advantage of your visit to Montpellier to discover the backstage area of this institution, whose origins date back to 1888.

A stay at a 4-star campsite near Montpellier can also be used to enjoy a themed guided tour of the city’s contemporary architecture and townhouses. You can also enjoy street art or learn about the history of medicine.

Discover Montpellier with your family

Montpellier became the capital of Bas-Languedoc in the 17th century, under the reign of Louis XIV. For the city, being granted this new status by the monarch marked the beginning of a flourishing period for the local economy. The city became more attractive to the upper classes of the time. The city became more attractive to the upper middle classes of the time, and high society took up residence in an upscale district brimming with houses of culture.

Take advantage of your visit to Montpellier to discover or learn more about the city’s history. The old town is one of the places not to be missed. Treat yourself to a stroll through this historic center, whose decor is embellished by the beautiful residences of the good society of yesteryear. This family getaway will also allow you to appreciate the many emblematic monuments for which the city is famous.

Culture and heritage

Proud of its rich heritage, the city is proposing its candidacy for the title of “European Capital of Culture” in 2019. The city has a lot to offer. Its squares are among the most majestic in Europe, particularly the Comédie square. It’s also worth a visit for the many medieval and contemporary architectural gems l ining the narrow streets of its historic center. The setting is all the more seductive for the fact that ancient structures such as the city’s Opera House and St. Peter’s Cathedral stand side by side with many modern establishments such as boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Montpellier’s architectural treasures also reveal something of the city’s and the region’s history. Among the most striking monuments is the Arc de Triomphe, a royal entrance completed in 1693, whose inscriptions and reliefs highlight various key events in the reign of Louis XIV, such as this figure representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands showing deference to the French monarch following the capture of Namur during the “Nine Years’ War”.

Theesplanade Charles-de-Gaulle also attracts many visitors. Here you’ll find the Pavillon Populaire, an Art Nouveau building whose origins date back to the 19th century. An emblematic monument in the center of Montpellier, it has hosted numerous exhibitions for over a century. Photographs and temporary exhibitions are on offer to the general public, including works by Brassaï, Bernard Plossu and Jakob Tuggener, among the great names in photography of the last century.

How to visit Montpellier

To discover this city with its rich heritage, we recommend you start in the historic center. This is your chance to discover a number of emblematic sites and monuments, as well as famous squares lined with restaurants, boutiques and beautiful facades – Place de la Comédie, Promenade du Peyrou, esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle…

To make exploring the city easier, you can opt for a guided tour. This not only saves you time, but also ensures that you don’t miss any major sites or monuments. Ask at your local tourist office, which can offer you a two-hour tour, for example, or a three-hour “big loop”. Other options include a two-hour tour of the Faculty of Medicine, or excursions to discover the culture and history of other nearby destinations.