Hotels in Montpellier

The second-largest city in the region of Occitanie is the holiday destination of Montpellier. The town sits 12 kilometres away from the Mediterranean coast of southern France. It is renowned for its medieval streets, which are a clear testament to its historical nature. Montpellier is such a charming place, with a range of art and architecture, food and prolific wines.

Montpellier offers a seemingly endless array of accommodations. There are rooms to cater to every need or pocket. One can make reservations to stay in Montpellier at a modern architectural hotel or an old, charming room in the city's heart. You can even book hotels by the sea or rent a countryside villa.

Neighbourhoods of Montpellier

The neighbourhoods in Montpellier are each very distinctive. They bring out the deep culture of the town and access to cheaper hotels in Montpellier. Below is a list of some of the most outstanding neighbourhoods:

• Quartier Saint-Anne: a location of choice for those into art and artefacts. The area boasts many galleries and exhibition centres, including the Carre Sainte-Ann, a gothic church exhibiting modern art collections. There are also various luthiers' workshops as well as the National Conservatory of Music.
• Quartier Saint-Roch: the most popular neighbourhood in Montpellier. With numerous bars and restaurants, it is a perfect place for party worshipers.
• Quartier Les Arceaux: a quiet, peaceful place situated near the city's centre. It is also well known for the Saint-Clement Aqueduct, which was inspired by the famous 19-century Pont du Gard bridge-aqueduct.
• Quartier Beaux-Arts: a lively and fun neighbourhood known for hosting cultural, artistic events all throughout the year. It also has a open-air market that bustles every morning, save for Sundays.
• Quartier Antigone: with an Olympic-sized pool and the municipal library, this a popular place for students. However, it also attracts plenty of tourists.
• Quartier Port Marianne: the most modern, stylish neighbourhood in the city. Bordering River Lez, the area is also home to Charpak park and Lagoon Jacques Coeur.

What to see and do in Montpellier

Made evident with its traditional architecture, the city is deeply rooted in medieval culture. There are endless places to visit plenty of activities to do. Given that Montpellier is the region's epicentre of wine production, ensure to visit the local wineries or vineyards and indulge your taste buds in wine tastings.

The Aquarium Mare Nostrum is a must-see place, which is located just three kilometres east of the city's centre. The aquarium has 15 aquatic species on display, including sharks and enormous octopuses. You should also visit the Royale du Peyrou, a historical monument with scenic views of the city and the Pyrenees mountains separating France from Spain.

Don't forget to stop to explore collections, paintings and exhibitions at the Musée Fabre, the city's principal museum of fine arts.

What to eat in Montpellier

If you are a wine-lover visiting the region, your trip wouldn't be complete without tickling your taste-buds. Sample the variety of dry, delicious wines showcased in most of the city's fine-dining restaurants. Also, be sure to try some cassoulet, a signature dish of Montpellier. It is a classic stew made with mutton, haricot beans, pork sausage, goose leg confit — and not forgetting the regional favourite— oysters.

Typical events and festivals in Montpellier

Take advantage and explore the many year-round events and festivals in Montpellier. The Dance Festival, founded in 1981, is an annual contemporary dancing event hosted in June and July. The International Extreme Sports Festival (FISE) is the biggest sports event in Europe, which typically occurs annually in Montpellier's Rives du Lez area. Others well-known events include:

• Le Battle of the Year, a hip-hop and breakdance competition.
• The Printemps des Comedians, take place annually in June at Domaine d'O.
• Friday Night Festivities, a weekly city event featuring evening music, dancing and wine tasting.
• Estivales de Montpellier, a night market that takes place along with the weekly Friday events.
• The Festival des Architectures Vives, an annual event for tourists to explore contemporary works in private homes throughout the city.

How to move around in Montpellier

Courtesy of the city's convenient and affordable public transport, exploring Montpellier is super easy. The city's tramlines facilitate movement around all of Montpellier and are rated as the world's most beautiful. There is also an efficient bus system. Some busses cover up to 36 routes and utilise the same tickets as the tramline for convenience. You can purchase tickets from automatic machines at tram stops or buy them from the drivers.

The climate in Montpellier

The city's climate is typical for the Mediterranean. Therefore, winters are generally mild, with some rainy and some sunny days. Summers are hot and sunny, and it lasts from mid-June to August. The spring season is between mid-April and mid-June. If you are eying Montpellier, you can visit whenever you wish because the weather is welcoming throughout the year.