Montpellier Uncovered: A Thrifty Two-Day Tour

Discovering Montpellier's secrets without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A budget-friendly trip to Montpellier, France can be a truly rewarding experience, without breaking the bank. You can explore the city's rich history, architecture and culture through its many free attractions such as Place de la Comédie, Jardin des Plantes and Musée Fabre. To save money on food, try visiting local markets for fresh produce and pastries, and indulge in the cheaper yet equally delicious street food options available in the city.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Historical Highlights

  • Check into Hotel du Parc, a charming budget hotel overlooking a lush green park.
  • Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Place de la Comédie, the city's main square, and a great spot for people-watching.
  • Take a stroll through the winding medieval streets of Montpellier's historic district to discover hidden courtyards and beautifully preserved mansions.
  • Visit the Musée Fabre, one of France's great art museums, to see works by famous painters such as Delacroix, Courbet, and Monet.
  • Stop for lunch at La Bodega, a trendy tapas bar serving delicious, affordable small plates.
  • End your day with a sunset walk up to the panoramic viewpoint at the top of the Promenade du Peyrou, which offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 2

Local Delights

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the wonderful Le Fournil du Marché, a bakery and café located in a picturesque square filled with vendors selling fresh produce.
  • Spend the morning exploring the colorful stalls of the Marché des Arceaux, a bustling outdoor market where locals shop for everything from cheese to clothing.
  • Hop on a tram to the nearby beach town of Palavas-les-Flots, where you can relax on the sand or stroll along the lively boardwalk.
  • Head back to Montpellier for lunch at Les Grands Enfants, a cozy French bistro with a creative menu of seasonal dishes.
  • Take a break from the heat with a visit to the Musée Languedocien, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Languedoc region.
  • End your day with a glass of wine at Le Bistrot des Gascons, a charming wine bar offering a wide selection of local and regional wines.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Montpellier, France by plane is to fly into Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport from your departure location. There are several airlines that offer direct flights to Montpellier, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and Air France.

Car

The best way to get to Montpellier, France by car is to drive via the A9 motorway. The journey from Paris takes around 8 hours and from Barcelona takes around 3.5 hours. There are several car rental companies located at Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport and in the city center.

Train

The best way to get to Montpellier, France by train is to take a TGV high-speed train from Paris to Montpellier Saint-Roch Train Station. The journey takes around 3.5 hours and the station is located in the city center.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Montpellier, France by boat, as the city is not located on the coast. The closest port is Sète, which is located around 20 km from Montpellier. From Sète, you can take a train or bus to Montpellier.

Bus

The best way to get to Montpellier, France by bus is to take a Eurolines bus from your departure location to the Gare Routière de Montpellier Bus Station. Eurolines offers direct bus services from several major cities in Europe, including Barcelona, Milan, and Amsterdam.

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