Montpellier Vacation Rentals
Tips on renting in Montpellier
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Montpellier in the Hérault-Aude region is a vibrant city perfect for family travel. Begin at Place de la Comédie, the lively heart of the city, where street performers entertain and cafés like Le Café Riche offer local treats. Visit the Musée Fabre to explore impressive art collections. The Montpellier Zoo and its Amazonian Greenhouse provide a fun and educational day for children. Stroll through the medieval streets of the Ecusson district, stopping at boutiques and the historic Saint-Pierre Cathedral. For a unique experience, take the Petit Train Touristique, which offers guided tours of the city’s highlights. Families will love Odysseum, a large shopping and leisure complex with the Planet Ocean aquarium and bowling. Enjoy a picnic at the Jardin des Plantes, France’s oldest botanical garden. Don’t miss a tram ride to the Mediterranean beaches of Palavas-les-Flots for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
Nearby cities
Castries
Discover Castries in Hérault-Aude: stroll shaded parks, picnic by gentle streams, and bike leafy trails—your family’s perfect French countryside adventure awaits.
Baillargues
Discover Baillargues in Hérault-Aude—where your family can picnic by peaceful lakes, bike through sunlit parks, and enjoy fun outdoor adventures together.
La Grande Motte
Discover La Grande Motte in Hérault-Aude—where your family can splash on sandy beaches, bike leafy trails, and savor sunny days by the sparkling Mediterranean.
Lunel
Discover Lunel in Hérault-Aude—picnic by sunlit lakes, bike scenic trails, and explore lively markets. Create family memories in this warm, welcoming town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Montpellier has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The best time to visit Montpellier, France for outdoor fun is late spring, particularly from May to early June. During this period, the Mediterranean climate offers warm, sunny days perfect for exploring the historic Place de la Comédie, strolling through the Jardin des Plantes, or cycling along the banks of the Lez River. The city comes alive with festivals and open-air events, and the nearby beaches of Palavas-les-Flots invite visitors to relax in the gentle sea breeze.
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Absolutely, Montpellier offers several options to make family exploration both affordable and convenient. The TAM network provides day passes and family tickets that allow unlimited travel on trams and buses, making it easy to hop between attractions like the historic Place de la Comédie, the lush Jardin des Plantes, and the interactive Musée Fabre. These passes are perfect for families wanting to experience Montpellier’s vibrant city center and picturesque Antigone district without worrying about individual fares.
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Absolutely, Montpellier offers several pet-friendly rentals that feature fenced yards, perfect for your furry companions to roam safely. Many of these accommodations are conveniently located near the lush Parc du Domaine de Méric or the scenic banks of the Lez River, where you and your pet can enjoy leisurely walks surrounded by Mediterranean flora. Staying in the Port Marianne district, you’ll also find easy access to green spaces and walking trails ideal for both exercise and relaxation.
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A week in Montpellier offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and Mediterranean charm. Begin by strolling through the medieval streets of the Écusson, marveling at the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and relaxing in the lush Jardin des Plantes. Take a day trip to the seaside at Palavas-les-Flots for sun and fresh seafood, then explore the Roman heritage of Nîmes with its Arena and Maison Carrée. Don’t miss the Pic Saint-Loup vineyards for wine tasting, and dedicate time to the stunning Château de Flaugergues and the contemporary art at MO.CO. Finish your week with a scenic drive to the Camargue, where wild horses and flamingos roam the salt marshes, offering a unique natural spectacle.
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Montpellier’s sunniest and most popular beaches for sunbathing are found along the Mediterranean coast just south of the city. Plage de l’Espiguette near Le Grau-du-Roi is famous for its wide, sandy expanse and clear skies, making it a favorite for those seeking maximum sunlight. Closer to Montpellier, Palavas-les-Flots and Carnon Plage offer easy access, plenty of sunshine, and vibrant seaside atmospheres, perfect for relaxing under the southern French sun.
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The closest ski resort to Montpellier is Station de ski de Prat Peyrot, located on Mont Aigoual in the Cévennes National Park. Just under two hours by car, this charming resort offers a variety of slopes for all skill levels, as well as cross-country trails winding through scenic forests. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, even catch glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea, making it a unique winter escape near Montpellier.
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Exploring Montpellier, you’ll find that entry to the renowned Musée Fabre typically costs around 8 to 10 euros, while guided tours of the historic Place de la Comédie and the medieval quarter usually range from 15 to 20 euros per person. The Montpellier Zoo is a family favorite and offers free admission, though special exhibitions may require a small fee. Wine tasting tours in the scenic Languedoc vineyards just outside the city generally cost about 30 to 50 euros.
