Montpellier, France: A 3-Day Family Adventure on a Budget!
Discover the perfect blend of culture, history, and fun in family-friendly Montpellier, France.
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Montpellier, France offers a vibrant and family-friendly experience for those looking to explore its rich history and beautiful surroundings. With its pedestrian-friendly city center, families can enjoy leisurely strolls through charming streets, visit impressive historical sites like the Place de la Comédie, and even venture out to the nearby sandy beaches for a day of fun in the sun. The city is also home to numerous parks, gardens, and museums that cater to children, making it an ideal destination for a memorable and educational family getaway.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into Hotel Océania Le Métropole, a family friendly hotel that offers spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Start your day with a visit to Place de la Comédie, the bustling heart of the city, where street performers and lively cafes create a vibrant atmosphere.
- Explore Montpellier's historical center, the Ecusson, with its narrow winding streets and charming boutiques.
- Quench your thirst at La Panacée, an old pharmacy turned trendy art gallery, where creativity fills the air along with the scent of ancient elixirs.
- Visit the Jardin des Plantes, a serene oasis filled with exotic plants and hidden corners, perfect for a picnic or a game of hide-and-seek.
- Treat your taste buds at Le Petit Jardin, a cozy restaurant tucked away in a hidden courtyard, serving delicious French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.
- Take a short tram ride to the nearby beach town of Palavas-les-Flots, where golden sand stretches for miles and the sound of seagulls fills the air.
- Spend the day building sandcastles, swimming in the sparkling blue sea, and soaking up the glorious Mediterranean sun.
- Enjoy a leisurely seaside lunch at La Voile Blanche, a beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and panoramic views of the coastline.
- Explore the Canal du Rhône à Sète, a picturesque waterway surrounded by colorful fishing boats and quaint houses.
- Take a boat ride along the canals and discover hidden villages and enchanting wildlife along the way.
- End your day with a delicious dinner at Au Château d'Ô, a charming restaurant set in a 13th-century castle, where classic French dishes are transformed into culinary masterpieces.
- Embark on a journey through time at the Musée Fabre, a magnificent art museum filled with masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- Discover the fascinating history of winemaking at the Maison des Vins du Languedoc, where you can sample a variety of wines and learn about the local terroir.
- Indulge in a gourmet lunch at La Réserve Rimbaud, a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the River Lez, where innovative dishes and stunning views collide.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade du Peyrou, a grand esplanade with a majestic Arc de Triomphe and panoramic views of the city.
- End your Montpellier adventure with a whimsical dinner at Le Petit Jardin de St Roch, a unique restaurant hidden in an enchanting garden, where fairy lights twinkle and exquisite flavors dance on your palate. Bon appétit!
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.