How to Spend 1 Day in Montpellier

With one day in the historic city of Montpellier, you’ll have time to visit several top attractions, try local cuisine, and pop over to the port city of Sète for the afternoon. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in the city.

Morning: Historic Highlights

Spend your first morning familiarizing yourself with the Old Montpellier’s Ecusson area on a walking tour. Tours typically cover the Esplanade de Charles de Gaulle, renowned for its meandering pathways and trees. On one side of the park sits the Fabre Museum, home to a collection of sculptures and paintings from across Europe, including works by a number of celebrated Fauvist painters. From here, it's a short walk to the Museum of Old Montpellier, which pays homage to the city's past.

Afternoon: Discover Sète

In the afternoon, check out the Montpellier Zoo if you have kids in tow or take a half-day tour to the nearby fishing port city of Sète, located 30 minutes from Montpellier. It's a good place to grab lunch, with lots of fresh seafood available, though gastronomy is not all the city has to offer. Highlights include Mont Saint-Clair, a hilltop chapel with sea views and the Espace Georges Brassens, devoted to the life and works of the beloved French singer.

Night: Eat like a Local

In the evening, discover local delicacies such ascassoulet (meat and white bean casserole) orbourride (spicy white fish stew). For a comprehensive culinary experience, join a food tour with a local guide. Not only does this remove language barriers but lets you discover different types of foods made in the reason—think cheese, wine, olive oil, and pastries, and fine wine.