Things to do in  Montpellier

Montpellier is famous for having one of the world’s oldest universities (dating from 1220) and the oldest still-operational medical school. The university is a Montpellier crowning glory, and it welcomes more than 40,000 students yearly. The Porte du Peyrou predates the Arc de Triomphe and was built in 1693.

Yes, Montpellier is worth visiting. It’s the fastest growing French city, attracting residents with its Mediterranean climate, thriving arts scene, and laid-back lifestyle. The closest beaches are 30 minutes by car and closer is l’Étang de l’Or, a freshwater and saltwater lake home to more than 10,000 bird species.

Montpellier is full of baroque churches, museums and art galleries, food and flea markets, and one of the oldest universities in the world, dating from the 13th century. And that’s just in the city. A stone’s throw away are beaches, lagoons, vineyards, châteaux, and pink salt flats with resident flamingos.

With just a weekend, spend a busy few days exploring Montpellier’s churches, museums, galleries, and eateries, including 11 Michelin-starred restaurants. With three or more days, visit nearby vineyards and étangs, or lagoons. Étang de Thau is good for oysters, and there are flamingos at nearby pink salt flats of Camargue.

Montpellier is on the Mediterranean, and the cuisine—with plenty of seafood dishes—reflects that. Mussels, squid-octopus pie, and cuttlefish pasta are mainstays. Cassoulet, a hearty meat and white bean stew, originated in the region. There are plenty of local wines from Languedoc-Roussillon to pair with your meals, too.

Montpellier itself doesn’t have a beach, but a 30-minute drive, bus journey, or tram ride takes you to the coast. The closest beach is Plage Carnon, which is long and sandy with a bustling marina and many bars and restaurants.