Ever heard of Montpellier? If not, then it’s about time you did! This wonderful city in the southern part of France doesn’t only have sun and sand to its name, but a whole host of attractions too.

We asked Carine Ageneau, a local to Montpellier and a Wine Tour Operator, what made Montpellier such a great location for travellers and she had this to say:

“In my opinion, Montpellier is the perfect location to visit for many reasons: First it is a very young and dynamic city, 1/3 of the population is a student and the city offers many cultural possibilities: theatre, dance, music festivals all year long. It is also a medieval city with a large pedestrian area so people can stroll through the little streets and stop at one of the many terraces to sip a glass of wine. Montpellier lies only 10km away from beautiful sand beaches and it is in the heart of the largest wine area in France, where you can discover from there the diversity of its vineyards and wines including spicy and juicy reds, refreshing rosé and crisp white wines...”

In fact, with so much to do your main problem will be deciding where to go first. To help you out we’ve listed the top 5 things to do in Montpellier.

1. Wine Tours

We couldn’t very well write an article about Montpellier and not mention the excellent wines on offer and the tours provided. Known as one of the largest wine regions in France, the climate surrounding Montpellier provides an excellent environment for many wine varieties to flourish and you’d be mad to miss out.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just know what you like, the best way to experience Montpellier wines is to book yourself on a tour such as those provided by Montpellier Wine Tours. From wine tasting workshops to private tours, this is a great way for you and your group to really get to grips with the sensational wine varieties of the region. Go, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

2. Fabre Museum

The Fabre Museum is one of the most beautiful museums in France, not to mention one of the biggest. The architecture of the building itself is stunning, whilst inside, you’ll find a wide range of exhibits that are sure to inspire you! The artwork displayed includes some of the best sculptures, paintings and ceramics of the 16^th to the 18^th century, with renowned artists’ work such as that of Delacroix and Veronese on display. For those who love art, or those that simply love beautiful things, this is certainly not one to miss.

3. Jardin Des Plantes

Easily one of the most well-loved places in Montpellier, the Jardin Des Plantes is a beautiful and historic location that served as the baseline to which all other botanical gardens in France were created. It was developed originally by Pierre Richer de Belleval, a professor or Botany and Anatomy, and it’s a wonderfully calming location that hosts, among other things, Palm trees, an Orangery and Medicinal plants. Whether you’re green-fingered or not, this is a stunning garden that shows off flora and fauna at their finest, all within a lush and landscaped garden steeped in history.

4. Pic Saint Loup

The mountain of Pic Saint Loup begins its incline at the Cévennes foothills and can be seen from various points in and around Montpellier. It’s an astounding natural sight and one of the most-photographed locations in the area. It’s ideal for those of you who like to get their hiking boots on and get exploring, and the rewards if you do are in plentiful supply. From the views you’ll receive at the top which include Grand Causses and the coast, to the incredible Montferrand Castle ruins on the way down, Pic Saint Loup is a must-do for the explorers among you.

5. Planetarium Galilee 

This one is particularly good for families and will be sure to fascinate your children. A combination of interactive activities and amazing projection work, the Planetarium Galilee is an educational adventure into astronomy. With the aid of fantastic visual effects, you and your family will be taken through a trip through the galaxy and the imitation is so lifelike you might just find yourself wondering how you’ll ever get back to earth!

Fun and informative this is an ideal activity for all the family.

Take a look at all our private apartments in Montpellier!