Montpellier sits in the sunny Occitanie region of southern France. It offers the perfect blend of historical charm and modern flare. With its narrow medieval streets, beautiful squares, and bustling markets, it’s a city full of life.
Plus, there’s so much to do here.
I moved to France over six years ago and have visited Montpellier several times. I know every corner of this city and can say it’s one of my favorite places in France.
In this post, I’ll share with you how to spend 3 days in Montpellier. From historical landmarks to quirky attractions, it has everything you need to guarantee an amazing trip.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on a link (at no extra cost to you). Privacy Policy.
3 Days in Montpellier Overview
If you’re short on time, here’s a summary of this guide.
- Day 1: Place de la Comédie, Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, Musée Fabre, Les Halles Castellane, Rue des Étuves, and Escalier Arc en Ciel Belvédère
- Day 2: Église Saint-Roch, Trompe l’Oeil, La Tour de la Babote, Promenade du Peyrou, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Jardin des Plantes, and Parcelle473
- Day 3: Château de Flaugergues, Esplanade de l’Europe, and Arbre Blanc
Montpellier Itinerary – Day 1
Hang Out in Place de la Comédie
At the heart of Montpellier is its largest square, Place de la Comédie.
It’s surrounded by cafés, patisseries, and shops, which are all housed in elegant 19th-century buildings.
Then, every Monday to Saturday, this already busy square hosts an open-air market where you can find everything from fresh fruit to used books.
Helpful Tip: The market is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
But my favorite thing to do here was hang out and admire the architecture, like I did when I visited Lille’s Grand Place.
There’s the Carrousel de la Comédie that somehow perfectly matches the surrounding buildings. And, in the center, there is the Fontaine des Trois Grâces.
Of course, nothing compares to the ever-impressive Opera Comédie.
Stroll Along Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle is a long walkway that connects Place de la Comédie to the Corum.
It’s named after the 18th President of France, Charles de Gaulle, and features tree-lined walkways, colorful flower beds, and the Mars Field Basin.
I walked the entire length of this esplanade several times. It’s so peaceful, despite being near the busiest areas of Montpellier.
On Saturdays, when Place de la Comédie’s market has the most vendors, stalls spill into the esplanade, making it a great place to pick up local goods.
Then, at the edge is the Terrasse du Corum, where you can enjoy stunning panoramas.
Helpful Tip: I visited the Terrasse du Corum a few times because the opening hours were not as indicated. If it’s closed, there is a nice view from the adjacent garden, Jardin l’Hôtel de Sully.
Tour the Musée Fabre
The Musée Fabre was founded in 1825 by François-Xavier Fabre, a Montpellier-born painter.
Over the years, it has evolved into one of France’s most prestigious art galleries and has, even, been classified as a Musée de France.
The museum’s most impressive collection is the paintings from the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
My favorite was one of Fabre’s most notable pieces, a portrait of a young Edgar Clarke (photo above).
Helpful Tip: All in all, it took me about two hours to tour the entire museum.
Address: 39 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle
Browse Les Halles Castellane
Les Halles Castellane was my favorite indoor market in Montpellier. But then again, I adore every market I visit in France.
Here you’ll find a variety of stalls offering locally sourced produce, artisan cheeses, meats, seafood, and baked goods.
But what I loved the most was the friendly vendors. On more than one occasion, I struck up a conversation about local dishes and recipes. I also got insider tips on restaurants to try.
It added something extra to my visit that I wouldn’t have gotten if I had just taken a few pictures and left.
Address: 8 Place Castellane
Check Out Rue des Étuves
Rue des Étuves is one of the most unassuming streets in Montpellier’s Old Town, Écusson. It’s also where you’ll find two of the least frequented tourist sites.
The first is Pénitents Bleus.
This small church was commissioned in 1845 by the Pénitents Bleus Brotherhood. Today, it houses paintings by Antoine Ranc and Claude Mignard and a beautiful organ.
Of the churches I visited in Montpellier, Pénitents Bleus was the least touristic. I had the entire place to myself, despite the large crowds outside.
The second must-visit site is the cannonball in the wall at 30 Rue des Étuves.
Helpful Tip: I walked by it about five times before I found it, so keep your eyes peeled.
It’s said that it was launched during the siege of 1622.
Montpellier was, at the time, Protestant, and refused to conform to Catholicism under Louis XIII. So, he sent his troops to force the city to convert.
Some say it’s a fake cannonball because the symmetry is too perfect and there are no signs of impact.
Real or not, I still thought it was cool to see.
Climb the Escalier Arc en Ciel Belvédère
The Escalier Arc en Ciel Belvédère, or Rainbow Stairs, is easily one of the most beautiful streets in Montpellier.
Here every stair is painted a different color and above are bright pennants to match.
It adds a whimsical touch to the already charming city. And compared to the streets in Marseille’s historic district, Le Panier, it’s more polished.
I went at noon when most people were having lunch and had the entire street to myself.
After a few photos, I stopped by Le Bookshop, a small bookstore/café about halfway up the stairs.
I ordered a coffee and sat at one of the tables outside. But they also have indoor seating, if you prefer to browse the shelves while sipping your drink.
Helpful Tip: For the best photos, stand at the corner of Rue de l’Ancien Courrier and Rue du Bras de Fer. That’s where I took the photo above.
Address: Rue du Bras de Fer
Montpellier Itinerary – Day 2
Discover Église Saint-Roch
Église Saint-Roch was built in the 19th century and dedicated to Saint Roch, a native who healed victims of the plague.
It’s a magnificent example of neo-Gothic design, but I preferred its interior.
This is where you’ll find its most impressive feature – a large stained-glass window above the altar.
It shows Saint Roch, with his dog, walking to the Montpellier Cathedral (photo above).
I’d say it even rivals the stained-glass windows found in Sainte Chapelle, one of the cathedrals on Paris’ main island, Île de la Cité.
Address: 4 Rue Vallat
Find Montpellier’s Trompe l’Oeil
A Trompe l’Oeil is an optical illusion in French. It can be used in several contexts, but, here, it describes a large mural that looks lifelike.
And there are two murals that fit this description in Montpellier.
The first is the Fresque Murale Place Saint Roch (photo above).
I first saw it when I exited the Église Saint-Roch de Montpellier, but I had to do a doubletake because it looked so real.
The second is at Place Edouard Adam.
It blends with the adjacent buildings, similar to the Trompe l’Oeil called Fresque des Lyonnais I saw on my day trip to Lyon.
Helpful Tip: If you can’t see it look on the side of Pharmacie de l’Observatoire.
Admire La Tour de la Babote
La Tour de la Babote is one of the last remaining ramparts from Montpellier’s medieval fortifications. It dates to the 12th century and has served several purposes since then, including an astronomical observatory.
Then, in 1927 it was classified as a historical monument.
You can’t climb the tower but if you walk through the main door you’ll find a small square (Square de la Babote) with a few shops, a café, and a bar.
I stopped by after I saw the Trompe l’Oeil at Place Edouard Adam and ordered a beer at Social Bar Montpellier. It’s a great place to take a break.
Address: 17 Boulevard de l’Observatoire
Take in the View at Promenade du Peyrou
The Promenade du Peyrou is the most beautiful esplanade in Montpellier.
It was created in the late 17th century as a symbol of power and elegance.
In the center, there is a statue of King Louis XIV. Then, on one side is the Saint-Clement Aqueduct and the classical water tower, the Château d’Eau. On the other side is the triumphal arch, Porte du Peyrou.
But what I loved the most about this site were the views. From the terrace of the water tower, I had an unencumbered view of Les Arceaux and the Saint-Clement Aqueduct.
Helpful Tip: I went at sunrise and had the place to myself. It was also safe.
Visit Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre was founded in the mid-14th century. It stood as a chapel that was part of the Saint-Benoît Saint-Germain monastery-college, and, in 1536 it was awarded cathedral status.
Helpful Tip: Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is also called the Montpellier Cathedral.
Today, it’s the oldest building in Montpellier.
It features a fortress-like structure with two giant towers guarding the front door. Then, inside, there are two gorgeous rose windows, an 18th-century organ, and seven bells.
Compared to churches like the Amiens Cathedral, I thought its structure was more imposing but less elegant. I, actually, had a similar impression of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral I saw in Lille.
Helpful Tip: If it’s open, the adjacent Faculty of Medicine’s courtyard has a beautiful view of the cathedral. That’s where I took the photo above.
Address: Rue Saint-Pierre
Relax in Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Not only that but it’s also the oldest botanical garden in France.
It was established in 1593 and has grown to an impressive 4.5 hectares.
Today, it’s home to a variety of flora and fauna, with most species coming from the region.
I loved wandering through the different gardens, taking in the fragrant scents, and admiring the colorful flowers. It reminded me of my visit to the Jardin des Plantes in Amiens.
Address: Boulevard Henri IV
Check Out Parcelle473
Parcelle473 is an urban and contemporary art museum. It opened in 2022 with the idea that art should be accessible to everyone.
And, of the museums I visited in Montpellier, it was one of my favorites.
Every exhibit was unique and thought-provoking. But I really loved the two temporary exhibits.
The first was by Sandrot and Elisabeth Daynès and the second was Jérôme Mesnager’s “L’Homme blanc.”
But my favorite was Octopus by Sandrot. As you can see in the photo I took above, there are three versions of the same octopus, each with a different facial expression.
The goal was to highlight the extraordinary creatures that roam our planet and our impact on them.
Address: 425 Avenue des Frères Buhler
Montpellier Itinerary – Day 3
Visit the Château de Flaugergues
The Château de Flaugergues is a beautiful 17th-century estate surrounded by lush gardens and vineyards.
It’s not too far from Montpellier’s city center, but plan to spend half a day here. Reservations are also required.
I took the château and wine cellar tour so I could see the entire estate and learn about its history.
While the château itself was beautiful, I thought the interior was more impressive.
It’s filled with stunning artwork and furnishings from various periods. And the wine tasting afterward was a great way to end the tour.
Helpful Tip: Bus 9 stops near the château, but I took an Uber to get there and back.
Address: 1744 Avenue Albert Einstein
Unwind in Esplanade de l’Europe
The Esplanade de l’Europe is a long promenade that showcases Montpellier’s modern architecture.
It’s surrounded by neoclassical buildings that house modern cafés, bars, and restaurants. Then, in the middle, you’ll find fountains, sculptures, and manicured green spaces.
Go for a stroll, hang out on one of the benches that line the walkway, or just people-watch.
I stopped by after my visit to Château de Flaugergues. I walked around, took in the atmosphere, and then, grabbed lunch at Il Gallo Piccolo, a delicious Italian restaurant.
Address: 131 Allée de Délos
Admire the Arbre Blanc
If you’re visiting Esplanade de l’Europe, then stopping by the Arbre Blanc is a must. It’s easily the coolest building I saw during my visit.
This sci-fi-looking structure is most known for its balconies that stick out in all directions.
Then, there’s a rooftop bar that offers spectacular views of the city.
Reservations are not required, but I recommend getting there early before the crowds arrive.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to end your vacation, this is it.
Helpful Tip: There’s also a restaurant, but you’ll need to book a table in advance.
Address: Place Christophe Colomb
Where to Stay
There are tons of great places to stay in Montpellier. Below is a list of hotels that I recommend:
✓ Citadines Antigone Montpellier – This is one of the places I stayed at in Montpellier. It’s an apartment/hotel. The rooms are huge, the breakfast is delicious, and the beds are comfy.
✓ Hôtel Royal – A beautiful hotel that’s right downtown. The rooms are comfortable and the staff are helpful.
✓ Hotel d’Aragon – A charming hotel near the train station. The staff are helpful and the breakfast is delicious.
Where to Eat
Montpellier is full of delicious restaurants. You’ll find everything from traditional food to international cuisine.
Below is a list of the restaurants that I tried and loved during my visit:
✓ Restaurant l’Aveyronnais – Specializing in dishes from Aveyron, you can’t go wrong here. The food is tasty and the atmosphere is cozy.
✓ Rosemarie – If you’re looking for delicious food that’s fresh and full of flavor, this is the place to go. The atmosphere is lively, fun, and chic.
✓ Le Petit Jardin Montpellier – The menu is varied and served with a modern flare. The food is delicious and the decorations are gorgeous.
Conclusion: 3 Days in Montpellier
Montpellier is an enchanting city that’s full of surprises. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or culture, there’s something for everyone here.
I loved everything about this underrated southern gem. Of the things I did, my favorites were touring the Château de Flaugergues, visiting Parcelle473, and taking photos of the Escalier Arc en Ciel Belvédère.
Now that your itinerary is planned, it’s time to book your tickets and get ready for an amazing trip.
Read More Articles About France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- What is Marseille Famous For? 17 of Its Best Kept Secrets
- 2 Days in Marseille: The Perfect Itinerary (Local’s Guide)
- Top 19 Free Things to Do in Marseille, France
