Montpellier

A national monument of France, this Roman Catholic cathedral, dedicated to Saint Peter, was originally founded as a church in 1364 and later became a cathedral in 1536. The architectural marvel is built in the Gothic style and captivates visitors with its stunning features, including beautiful stained glass, old religious paintings, and an attached garden.

To explore the Roquefort Société Caves, you must venture a bit off the beaten path, approximately 1 1/2 hours northwest of Montpellier. The prime period to witness the cheeses ripening in the caves spans from January through July. However, access to the caves remains available throughout the entire year.

Place de la Comédie, situated in the heart of Montpellier, is a bustling and iconic square that serves as the vibrant focal point of the city. Also known as 'Place de l'oeuf' (Square Egg) due to its oval shape, the square is surrounded by stunning architectural landmarks, including the Opéra Comédie and the Three Graces fountain. A lively hub of activity, Place de la Comédie is adorned with outdoor cafés, restaurants, shops, and street performers, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.

The original church was destroyed during the religious wars of the 16th century, but it is still an exciting historical destination. The name, Notre-Dame des Tables, comes from the tables of the currency exchange that was linked to the spice trade, originally located in front of the church.

Situated within the Department of Medicine, the museum holds the distinction of being the oldest in the city. It houses a remarkable collection of historic European drawings, paintings, and manuscripts. This extensive assortment was meticulously gathered by the collector Xavier Atger and features works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Tiepolo, Carracci, and Fragonard.

Pierre Richer de Belleval founded France’s oldest botanical garden in 1593. Today, it is a charming array of tropical greenhouses, ancient trees and worn benches. The ancient trees provide plenty of shaded areas to make it a sought-after spot in the heat of summer.

Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, situated a few miles south of Montpellier, is home to a magical lagoon landscape with beaches, sand dunes, islands, and a massive 17th-century cathedral. There are plenty of relaxing and active pursuits to explore in the area — from water sports to bird watching.

Espiguette Beach is a tranquil and low-key destination, known for its long, wide expanse of sandy shores. The shallow waters make it safe environment for younger swimmers. While this beach becomes a popular and bustling spot during the summer, the serene atmosphere and expansive coastline make it well worth a visit.

Odysseum is a large and dynamic district in Montpellier, which seamlessly blends shopping, entertainment, and leisure. Boasting a diverse range of attractions, including a large shopping mall, multiplex cinema, ice rink, and numerous restaurants and cafés, Odysseum offers a comprehensive experience for visitors of all ages. The district is also home to the Planet Ocean World, a large aquarium featuring hands-on, high-tech exhibits, including 3D ocean simulator rides.

Every Sunday, Montpellier's Peyrou Park comes alive with a vibrant flea market that captivates locals and visitors alike. Featuring around 60 vendors, the market offers a diverse array of treasures — from unique items and furniture to trinkets, works of art, jewelry and old books.

For food enthusiasts exploring Montpellier, a visit to this small gourmet grocery store is a must. Specialising in olives, as the name suggests, the shop offers a diverse array of olive varieties, complemented by an enticing selection of dried fruits, condiments, jams, and a range of local products.

A historic institution in Montpellier since 1859, the Halles Castellane market is the go-to destination for fresh local produce. It boasts a lively atmosphere with traders offering an array of delights, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and dried fruits. Notably, the market stands out for its exceptional selection of shellfish and seafood products, as well as an enticing variety of local wines.

Rue de la Loge is the main shopping strip in Montpellier. The street starts at Place de la Comédie and is a good starting point for city walks. This bustling street is lined on both sides with a diverse array of shops and boutiques, from international High Street names to local independent stores.

The Old Town in Montpellier is known for offering a charming and unique shopping experience. Often referred to as 'l'Écusson', the city's historic Old Town is characterised by narrow winding streets lined with a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, and speciality stores. You can find a diverse range of products, including fashion, jewellery, antiques, and local crafts.

A paradise for cheese enthusiasts, this gourmet shop specialises in artisanal local cheeses crafted from both sheep's and cow's milk. The range includes creamy and hard varieties, each infused with distinctive flavours like wildflowers from the Alps or the decadence of Italian truffles — the variety of cheeses is truly impressive. Besides cheese, La Crèmerie du Faubourg also offers a selection of unique jams and marmalades.

Le Polygone is a centrally located shopping mall, with a decent selection of stores and boutiques. It houses the famous French department store Galeries Lafayette, a Monoprix (another well-known French name), and various international brand shops.