Montpellier has so much to offer. Not only is it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with its history, culture, and events, but for many people dreaming of a life in France, Montpellier is the perfect mix of everything. Here you can enjoy city life with plenty of nature around, lots of history mixed with youthful energy, both modern and ancient architecture, and lovely Mediterranean climate.
Have you ever wondered if you could see yourself living in Montpellier? Let’s imagine a weekend of your life as a resident here. What do you see yourself doing here? How does it feel to be a real Montpelliérain(e)?
Continue reading and dream yourself away to this beautiful Mediterranean city!
Being the seventh biggest city in France, Montpellier is big enough to feel like a proper city, but small enough that you’ll see familiar faces at the Sunday market.
With plenty of parks, gardens, and the river Lez flowing through the city, you’ll always feel close to nature here.
And the sea isn’t far away either. So if you like a Mediterranean vibe but don’t want to live right in the middle of a busy seaside city, Montpellier is perfect with the sea just 10 kilometers away.
Montpellier is a university city with students making up close to one fourth of its population, giving the city a vibrant, youthful, and creative feel.
And if you enjoy being in the midst of history, you’ll absolutely love Montpellier’s historical center that will take you back to the Early Middle Ages.
Montpellier’s climate is mild and inviting with its cool winters and warm, dry summers (sometimes very hot!). So if you don’t like freezing cold or unbearable heat, this could be just the place for you.
Without further ado, let’s see what your weekend as a resident of Montpellier could look like!
Is there any better way to start the weekend than visiting a French market for some extra delicious goodies for breakfast? And for lunch as well, while you’re at it? Luckily, there are many fantastic markets in Montpellier. Grab your basket, get ready to say hello to your fellow Montpelliérains and enjoy one of the best things about French slow living.
Find local delicacies, baked goods, honey, olives, cheese, wine, and more at Marché des Arceaux. The market is wonderfully located under the hundred-year-old Arceaux aqueduct. Imagine practicing your French with the vendors and local producers, or just sitting down and tasting something delicious you’ve just bought while enjoying the action. This is French culture at its best!
More local goodies such as cheese, fish, meats, and vegetables. This indoor market is also great for chatting with the vendors and learning about local food culture and dishes, so you might get some nice lunch or dinner ideas!
After a lovely French breakfast, you might feel like having a lazy stroll in the historical center called Écusson. It’s the heart and soul of Montpellier, and the perfect place to soak in the atmosphere, so let yourself be taken back in time while exploring the narrow, medieval streets. Imagine yourself discovering these charming alleys without a map, without your phone, completely present, and keeping an eye out for street art in the most unexpected places.
Eventually, you might find yourself at the big, bustling square in the very center of Montpellier – Place de la Comédie. Being one of Europe’s largest pedestrian areas, it’s no wonder it feels lively here! You might come here often to meet up with newly made friends or just pass by the Opéra Comédie and the famous Trois Graces fountain and feel the pulse of the city.
Maybe it’s time for a coffee now, or is it lunch time already? Sit down on a sunny terrace and order anything you feel like having!
It’s a warm day and you suddenly feel like a trip to the sea would be just perfect. Luckily, you don’t have to go far. Feeling sporty? Take the bike to the beach. Do you have a bike of your own, or do you rent one? Either way, you’ll enjoy the stunning views when cycling along the river Lez with wind in your hair. Maybe you’re even tempted to stop for a small water break and admire the beautiful vineyard on the way! However, if you’re not feeling up to cycling 13 kilometers one way to get to the nearest beach, you’ll arrive comfortably taking the tram and/or bus.
After that fresh Mediterranean sea breeze, and perhaps some salt water still in your hair, you’re back in the city, ready for dinner. Unless you had dinner at the beach, of course! Nevertheless, there are plenty of options to dine out. Whether you feel like having something fancy, casual, traditional French, seafood, local, or anything else – you’ll be sure to find it!
If you have any energy left, you might want to stay out a bit longer. Grab a drink, meet new people, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a Saturday night in Montpellier. But save some energy for Sunday!
As a local, you know that this esplanade, also known as Promenade du Peyrou, is a must on a Sunday morning! Not only is it one of the most popular sights of Montpellier with its triumphal arch, water tower, statue of Louis XIV, and the amazing view over the whole city (and a gorgeous sunrise, if you’re early!). But this is where everyone gets together for Les Dimanches du Peyrou – the popular Sunday flea market.
Imagine chatting with the merchants, making great finds, or simply grabbing something to drink and see what bargains others are making. This promenade is also a wonderful place to hang out, read a book or go for a walk – and this is what other Montpelliérains love to do as well!
Now, how about late breakfast, brunch, or early lunch before your next escapade?
Perhaps you feel like immersing yourself in history and art and head for a museum, or is the weather just too nice and you can’t bear to be inside? Then the park might be more inviting. Whichever you choose, both the art and the park options will give you relaxing Sunday vibes.
The Fabre Museum is something you as a resident of Montpellier can be very proud of. Often described as one of Europe’s most impressive fine arts museums, it definitely feeds a soul hungry for art with its hundreds of paintings and engravings, thousands of drawings, and more. If you’re all about art, this might be a place you return to time and time again, and it will feel like a new experience every time.
Could your Sunday afternoon ritual be to unwind in a wonderfully calm place? Imagine mindfully walking around and admiring everything you see around you in Jardin des Plantes, the oldest botanical garden in France. Sit down and listen to the quiet by the lotus pond or in the English garden, and take some deep breaths of fresh air by the bamboo grove. It might be tempting to stay all evening, but you don’t want to miss the sunset, do you?
Why don’t you pack your favorite French treats in a picnic basket and end the day where you started it – at Place Royale du Peyrou. This time, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset rather than a sunrise. Perhaps you can meet up with some of the people you’ve gotten to know here in Montpellier and share a bottle of wine, or maybe you just enjoy the views in your own company.
What a perfect way to end a very French weekend in a very French city. Can you see yourself take a slow walk back home to your own place and wish the city of Montpellier goodnight? If so, maybe Montpellier could be your city.