The 17 free activities and visits to Montpellier

You want to discover Montpellier, but you have a small budget? Here are 17 free activities and visits to Montpellier

Head to the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon! Montpellier is located in the South of France, in the heart of the department of Hérault. Its ideal location between sea and mountains makes it an ideal holiday place. Young, vibrant and vibrant, this student city par excellence is full of small corners, bars and restaurants and monuments to discover absolutely! There are many visits and free activities!

We have therefore conducted the investigation and for you a selection of the 17 best free visits and activities to do in Montpellier during your stay. Did it go? Then follow us!

1. Place de la Comédie and its monuments

This is the Place de Montpellier. Whatever you decide to do, you will find yourself at a certain time on this beautiful and large sunny square, lined with cafes and restaurants. In the summer, stroll along the clothing stands and other beach bags, admire the Three Graces fountain, classified, and at nightfall, enjoy night lighting highlighting its architecture as well as the City Opera.

2. Les Arceaux

In this popular district of Montpellier, there is a small village air. His first charm comes from his famous aqueduct, built in the 18th century by engineer Henri Pitot de Launay. It is thanks to him that we owe the arrival of drinking water in the city. Spread on the market in the shade of the plane trees on Tuesdays and Saturday morning, and at the end of the day, why not a small portion of petanque under the aqueduct?

3. The Zoo of Lunaret

Address: 50, avenue Agropolis 34090 Montpellier

4. The Faculty of Medicine

If there is a free visit to make in Montpellier absolutely, it is that of the Faculty of Medicine! This is the oldest in the world and it is still active! Classified as a historic monument since 2004, it is an unmissable!

Address: 2 Rue de l’École de Médecine 34090 Montpellier

5. The Garden of Plants

After visiting the Faculty of Medicine, visit one of the most famous botanical gardens in France! Created in 1593 by Henri IV, the Jardin des Plants is the oldest botanical garden in France. Walk in the heart of its 5 hectares entirely dedicated to botanist research and teaching, which attract many amateur or professional visitors.

Address: Boulevard Henri IV 34000 Montpellier

6. The edges of Lez

Just a few minutes away from the city centre of Montpellier, discover an enchanted place to breathe a little and take the air. Longen the wooden walkways and the small, landscaped trails that line a beautiful stretch of water with, by location, pretty waterfalls! The edges of the Lez offer a green ride.

Address: several departures possible, such as from the nautical base of the Valette ( rue Jean François Breton 34090 Montpellier ) or at Parc du Domaine de Méric 34090 Montpellier .

7. The Pic Saint Loup

Hiking lover? Here is a free activity to do in Montpellier, or rather in its surroundings. Located about 20 km north of Montpellier, Pic Saint Loup is a mountain that rises to about 660 meters above sea level. Its summit is accessible by a hiking trail. At the top you will enjoy a wonderful view, from which you can admire the mountain of the Hortus, the castle of Vivouriès and Montferrand or Mont Ventoux! For the most athletic, try the "Picture Tour" in the trail mode. It is 18 km long and takes place in a well-known race every year in May during the Festa Trail event.

Departure: parking of Cazevieille 34270 Cazevieille

8. Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Very nice idea of free visit to make in Montpellier than the fabulous Saint Pierre Cathedral. This is the largest Gothic cathedral in the entire Languedoc-Roussillon. Saint-Pierre Cathedral is also the only medieval church in the city centre of Montpellier that survived the Wars of Religions.

Address: 6 bis, rue Abbe-Marcel-Montels 34000 Montpellier

9. Le Carré Sainte-Anne

Let yourself be surprised by this ancient neo-Gothic church, unacralized in the late 1980s. Since then, it has been transformed from an original space dedicated to contemporary art. Top place of Montpelliéraine culture, you will find in the Carré Sainte-Anne amazing and free exhibitions!

Address: 2, rue Philippy 34000 Montpellier

10. The beaches

Looking for a free activity in Montpellier in summer? Of course, think about the beach! Only 10 kilometres away Palavas-les-Flots , Carnon or Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, a little wilder. If you push a little more, you will have the choice between La Grande Motte, Aigues-Mortes and the Grau-du-Roi in Camargue or Frontignan and Sète towards Beziers. Whether you're looking for sightseeing and lively beaches, or more wild and isolated corners, you'll find your happiness on the coast, 2 steps from Montpellier.

11. L’Ecusson, or the historic centre of Montpellier

You will see, Montpellier releases a particular and quiet atmosphere, which invites to the stroll. Walking around the medieval pedestrian streets of the city remains an activity, certainly simple, but most pleasant. The Ecusson is the nickname given to the historic centre of Montpellier. Indeed, on a map, it takes the characteristic form of a stable.

12. The Arc de Triomphe

Paris is far from being the only city with its Arc de Triomphe. Montpellier also owns his own! It is also called Porte du Peyrou. Built at the end of the 17th century by Augustin Charles d’Aviler, it symbolizes the power of royalty, and is classified as a historic monument.

13. The Peyrou promenade

Just behind the Arc de Triomphe, you will fall on Place Royale du Peyrou. You can discover the equestrian statue of Louis XIV and a little further, a castle of water, dating from the eighteenth century. This beautiful esplanade, lined with trees and lawn, overlooks the city and offers a splendid view, going to the Cevennes. You will also have a direct view of the Pic Saint-Loup. By crossing the Promenade du Peyrou from the Arc de Triomphe, you will reach the Quartier des Arceaux, after descending some steps.

Address: 230, place Jean Mirouze 34000 Montpellier

14. The Fabre Museum

Initially paid, know that on the 1st Sunday of each month, the entrance to the Fabre Museum to admire the permanent collections and the hotel of Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran are free of charge. A free guided tour "What's new at the museum? is also offered at 2pm all the first Sundays of the month.

Address: 39 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle

15. La Chapelle Sainte Foy

Just behind the Place de la Comédie, do not miss visiting this little chapel quite unknown, but yet full of charm. Also referred to as the "white Pénitent Chapel", you will fall under the charm of its magnificent ceilings and incredible baroque altar.

Address: 14, rue Jacques-Cœur

16. Sports activities

Enjoy the holidays and the beautiful weather to do sport! You will find many parks in which to run, such as the MontMaur wood, the Méric Park, the Lunaret Zoo, the Garrigues domain or the Lez... The Phillipidès stadium is also open to the public from 8pm. And know that the Montpellier Athletic Running Club offers free training sessions, so enjoy it!

17. The FRAC

The Occitanie Montpellier Regional Art Foundation was founded in 1982 and belongs to the region. You will discover it is a public collection of contemporary art that includes 1,450 works by 450 artists, known or promising.

Address: 4-6 Rue Rambaud, 34000 Montpellier