Visit the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier: tickets, prices, schedules

In the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon? Visit the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier, listed as a historic monument!

Direction Montpellier, in Occitanie region! This gentle city of the South, close to the Mediterranean, is the seventh city of France, with more than 280,000 inhabitants. A university city, a large medical and scientific centre, Montpellier attracts by its ideal location in the south of France, its Mediterranean climate and its sweetness of living.

It is also a city full of charm, with a strong medieval print, that you will find by strolling through the alleys of the historic centre. The Place of the Comedy, the fabulous Fabre , the Saint-Roch district or the Faculty of Medicine and its incredible conservatory of anatomy... Many things to discover during your stay! And then Montpellier, it is also access to the sea in less than twenty minutes, a recognized and incredible wine heritage and local products.

Among the city’s must-sees, the Arc de Triomphe prides itself on the doors of the historic centre. Symbol of the power of royalty, it faces no less known Peyrou. Accessible to the general public, it offers an ascent to its summit: a glimpse of unbeatable view! Here’s all you need to know to visit the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier.

History of the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier

Built in 1691 the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier is a door designed by the architect François II d’Orbay at the request of King Louis XIV. At that time, Louis XIV demanded a monument dedicated to his glory and his forty years of battle to preserve the territory. A tribute that he wishes to settle in front of Place Royale, now known as “ Promenade du Peyrou”, one of the city’s highest points. A phrase, engraved in Latin on the Arc de Triomphe, still bears witness to this historic gesture: “ Ludovico magno LXXII annos regnante dissociatis repressis conciliatis gentibus quatuor decennali bello conjuratis pax terra marique parta 1715 " Louis the Great, whose reign lasted seventy-two years, brought peace on earth and on the sea after having separated, content and being attached to allied peoples in a war of forty years."

Inspired by the Porte Saint Martin de Paris, the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier is part of the fortifications of the city. Built in the ramparts of Montpellier and equipped with a bridge-levis, it allows to cross the defence gap surrounding the ramparts.

This magnificent work of fifteen meters high, eighteen meters wide and with a seven metre high opening is classified as a historic monument in 1954. Renovated in 2003, it has been part of the architectural ensemble of the Promenade du Peyrou, adding a symbol to the city.

What to see and do at the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier?

To visit the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier, it is to climb a must-see that promises a breathtaking view. At first we advise you to turn to the Tourist Office of the city which offers guided tours. With or without (including other monuments and places of interest), you can explore the streets of the Ecusson alongside a guide that will tell you the story.

Arrived at the Arc de Triomphe, to you the 88 steps to reach the top! As a reward, a breathtaking view of the city, with in the backdrop the Mediterranean Sea and the Pic Saint-Loup.

Foch Avenue

Located at the end of one of the most beautiful avenues in Montpellier, Avenue Foch, Arc de Triomphe dominates the city. Along the bourgeois avenue Foch, you can observe the beautiful buildings of Haussmannian style or make a window lick in the chic shops that line it. The prospect with the Arc de Triomphe in the background is what characterizes it and deserves a beautiful photo!

Architecture

• ♪ four medallions sculpted by Philippe Bertrand, to the glory of the strong moments of the reign of Louis XIV
• ochre and yellow shade Building
• The Royal blue color of France, located at the top
• Latin inscription engraved on each face
• ♪ marble plates arranged under the medallion with their identically restored inscriptions since its renovation

The point of view

After the climb of a spiral staircase of a few 90 steps, you will reach the top of the building, on which there is a terrace from which you will discover a stunning 360° view of the city.

In the foreground, Courthouse , avenue Foch, the bell tower of the church of Sainte Anne. Here too, the perfect alignment of the Promenade du Peyrou, the statue Royale, the Château d’Eau and its basin, and the Aqueduct des Arceaux in his extension. And in the end, observe the sea, the majestic Pic Saint Loup and the vineyards that surround it. You can also see the Aigoual in the North!

La Promenade du Peyrou

Also known as the Royal Square of Peyrou, the Peyrou promenade is a large park with monuments and tribute statues such as the access bridge to the statue of Louis XIV , the Château d’eau and the aqueduc Saint-Clément . Installed just in front of the Arc de Triomphe, you just have to pass its beautiful forged doors to access it. The majestic Statue of Louis XIV welcomes you in her garden, inviting you to continue your walk to the Château d’eau and its basin.

How to go to the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier?

There are several ways to get to the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier located 1, Rue Foch, 34000 Montpellier.

By tram

• Line 4 : stop Peyrou – Arc de Triomphe
• Lines 1 and 2 (to go to the Tourist Office): Stop Comédie

By car

• Take theA9 motorway, follow the direction Montpellier (A709)
• Get out of her exit No. 29 (Montpellier Est), follow "historical centre"
• Parking Corum/Comedia or Polygon (underground parking) or parking Arceaux(open air parking)

By train

Saint Roch Station is a 15-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe.

Schedules & Rates of the Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier

The Arc de Triomphe is visible throughout the year, at any time of day or night. However, if you want to climb it, you have to opt for a guided tour of the city. For this, go to the Tourist Office! In particular, you can get the City Pass from Montpellier directly online: it gives you access to museums, historic sites and other must-sees with a single pass.

The Tourist Office offers two options to visit the historic centre:

- « La Boucle Essentielle » (2h) : discovery of the arc of triumph, the courtyard of a particular hotel and the mikvé (Jewish ritual bath). - « La Grande Boucle » (3h) : visit of emblematic places (arc of triumph, courtyard of a particular hotel, mikvé) then visit the district of the cathedral.

HORARI

• "Essentielle Boucle" : 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• « La Grande Boucle » : in the morning from 10am to 1pm.

RATES

Essentinel

• Rate : 11€
• Reduced rate (students, over 65, unemployed, holders of a disability card and holders of the Metropolis Pass) : 9€
• Free for children under 18

La Grande Boucle

• Rate : 13€
• Reduced price : 11€
• Free for children under 18

You can buy your ticket in advance directly on the Tourist Office website.