There are plenty of ways to satisfy your appetite for wonder and adventure in the French city of Montpellier.
Here are just a few of the incredible things you can add to your itinerary.
Take in the iconic sights
For stunning history and architecture, head to the Promenade du Peyrou – which showcases a stunning structure overlooking the water that has stood in place since the mid-1700s.
Visit on a Sunday to explore the flea market that sets up under the arches of the magnificent aqueduct that is also nearby, and snap a picture of the famous statue of Louis XIV on horseback.
Elsewhere you can enjoy the iconic Gothic architecture of Montpellier’s cathedral, with its romantic castle-like towers and a dominating entranceway. Inside, admire the colourful spectacle created by the stained glass windows, and take a moment to reflect in the quiet of the pews.
The Place de la Comédie meanwhile is a bustling square - also known as l’OEuf because it is an oval shape, like an egg – and features a myriad of shops, bars and cafes to explore during an afternoon.
Check out the statue of the Three Graces, and the magnificent opera house which is lit up with blue lights once night falls.
Hike up Pic Saint-Loup
If you are a lover of the great outdoors, drive around 45 minutes north of the city to Pic Saint-Loup, a 658-metre high peak that you can conquer in a day by taking a trail – enjoying majestic views of the stunning Languedoc-Roussillon landscape in the process.
Take in the stunning sunflower fields, the neat rows of the vineyards and the incredible limestone cliffs nearby. Bring along some snacks and savour your achievement.
Visit Montpellier zoological park
Drop in and visit the animals at Montpellier’s resident zoo. With everything from rhinos to wallabies calling this place home, there’s a critter everyone will love.
The zoo itself is located north of the city, easy to reach by car via Avenue Agropolis. The park covers 60 hectares and is laid out like a safari, with many of the animals roaming free for an authentic and wild experience.
Sample the local cuisine
You could visit Montpellier to simply experience its food and drink offering alone. Wine and cheese are available in bountiful supply – just ensure your rental car is parked up for the night before enjoying the former – and fresh seafood is available as standard in many restaurants.
Oysters can also be found in plentiful supply during Christmas and New Year too, with crates of these delicacies filling up stalls to the brim at festive markets.
Spend an afternoon at Palavas-les-Flots
With cool waters, a sandy strip and plenty of room to lay down your towel for an afternoon, Palaves-les-Flots is a popular coastal location easily reached from Montpellier by car.
When you’re done topping up the tan, there are also fairground rides, ice cream stalls and plenty of seafood restaurants to discover.
Car rental in Montpellier opens up all of these possibilities and more. Reserve direct today – and start planning your French adventure.
