10 Epic Places in Montpellier Every Local is Proud Of

Montpellier’s old town – Écusson – is a pure delight. The winding streets, dotted with pretty cafe-lined squares, are where you’ll find the Montpellier locals; eating, drinking, shopping, catching up, making music, creating art. There is a fantastic mix of high-street stores and shops hosting products you actually need with niche boutiques and eateries. The chic neighbourhood of Beaux-Arts extends from the old town in its north and the River Lez runs to its east.

Montpellier boasts the world’s oldest practicing medical school, attracting fine students to its halls each year. The University of Montpellier is a strong university in its own right, but its Faculty of Medicine gives it the upper edge in not only France, but Europe. Created in the 12th century, the school lies in a former Benedictine monastery and is linked to the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre by a stunning inner courtyard. A must-see on your Montpellier landmark tour.

Street art is rife in this creative city and something that the locals are very proud of. Some notable names in the industry display here – artist Space Invader has made a huge contribution to the city’s street art collection – and on corners you’d least expect it you’ll spot a piece.

Montpellier houses several mansions, or follies, that are typical to the area. They are large manor houses built for bourgeois merchants of the day and now many are open to visitors. Château de Flaugergues is a favourite among visitors for its gardens and locals for event hire such as weddings.

Each Sunday, on the impressive Promenade du Peyrou, Montepellier’s most popular flea market takes place. Montpellier has many markets each week, of course, but this one has long been and continues to be the most visited, and cherished. If you’re visiting on Sunday, make sure to start your day on this iconic city promenade.

Montpellier has its own Arc de Triomphe and it’s the city’s most famous landmark, one which locals are very proud of. It was built in dedication to the glory of King Louis XIV of France, the ‘Sun King’. The stones, especially at the top of the arch, are golden in colour because of this. Visitors can climb the nearly 100 stairs to the top of L’Arc de Triomphe and to have an incredible views of the city and its surroundings. Visit the Tourist Office for information on the guided tour.

La Panacée has only been on the scene since 2013, but its unique space has got locals hooked. Located in the former Royal College of Medicine and still home to one of the university’s residences, digital and visual arts are at the heart of La Panacée. It’s spaces like these that are so unique to this southern French city and ones that Montpellier pull off so well.