Here’s what the stylist southern city has to offer… (Picture: Getty)
While bustling Paris undoubtedly offers up-close-and-personal views of the Eiffel Tower and strolls along the Seine (not to mention world-renowned art), the south of France is a great travel option for those seeking a holiday with a slower pace.
In fact, one charming city in particular is nicknamed the surdouée – AKA, the ‘wonder child’ of France – giving the French capital a run for its money.
Montpellier may be compact but it’s still home to around 482,724 people. It’s also the fastest-growing French city over the last half-century, more than doubling in size from only 119,000 in 1962.
With reliable sunshine and a rich history, Montpellier has a lot to offer visitors. Here’s just a taste of what you can expect…
How to get to Montpellier
Here’s where you’ll find it (Picture: Metro/Getty)
The city in southern France is located 10km inland from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Occitanie region.
And being the seventh-largest city of France, it’s only natural for the spot to have its own airport – with direct flights to and from the UK.
Flights on Skyscanner start from £191 return from London, with a 1hr 50-minute duration. Numerous other flight options are also available from other UK cities such as Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The best time to visit Montpellier
The Carre Sainte Anne Church in the city (Picture: Getty)
For those looking for guaranteed sunshine and balmy heat, the warmest time of year in Montpellier is from May to September.
However, the peak tourist season is during the July – August school holidays – and expect Montpellier to be busy in the months either side of this too (in June and September).
As a result, for those looking to travel away from the crowds, the best time to visit is May to mid-June and late-September to October.
What is the weather like?
July is the hottest month in Montpellier, with an average temperature of 29°C.
In May, the city has comfortable average highs of 21°C, which rise to 26°C in June.
This heat sticks around until early autumn, with daily temperatures hovering around 25°C in September, before dropping to 20°C in October.
Things to do in Montpellier
Explore the Écusson district (Picture: Getty)
With medieval alleys and ornate fountains to explore, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in the seventh-largest city in France.
The best way to soak up Montpellier’s bountiful offering is on foot, as it allows you to wander through the city’s winding streets and incredible architecture.
A great place to start is Écusson, Montpellier’s old town, as it’s the bustling centre of the city. Named after its Écu (old French coin) shape, this district is the oldest in the city (built in the Middle Ages) and is also the most vibrant, bursting with unusual shops and friendly restaurants, as well as nods to the area’s rich history.
One such feature is the fact Montpellier is home to the oldest medical school in Europe, the Faculty of Medicine, and it’s still in operation today.
Also every Tuesday and Saturday morning, the area comes alive with the marché des Arceaux – Montpellier’s biggest food market. If you’re visiting, be sure to pick up some pelardon – the region’s creamy goat cheese.
Elsewhere, Musee Fabre, Cathédrale St-Pierre, Place de la Comedie, and Porte du Peyrou are other top attractions to visit. However, simply sitting and enjoying a coffee and pastry (or glass of wine) in Montpellier’s numerous squares is another way to fully immerse yourself in French culture.
Combine a city and beach break in one trip (Picture: Getty Images)
Montpellier is also a city on the Mediterranean coast, which means the beach is on your doorstep.
Take a bike or tram to one of the nearby beaches in and around city, such as Palavas, and if you’re lucky you might see flamingos wading in the Méjean lagoon on route.
Where to stay
Hotel prices in Montpellier start from around £70 per night, but rise during the peak summer months.
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It gives the French capital a run for its money.