What to do around Montpellier without a car
What to do around Montpellier ? The choice is vast and you won't be disappointed. Montpellier, the city of art and history in the south of France, is an ideal destination for lovers of culture and gastronomy, as well as nature and its incredible landscapes.
But what if you don't have a car?
Don't panic, there are several ways to discover the Montpellier area without needing to take the car! We'll tell you all about them in this article.
On foot, by bike or by streetcar - Visit Montpellier and the surrounding area
Walking, the best way to visit downtown Montpellier
The city center of Montpellier is home to numerous monuments and historical sites. Among them, the Arc de Triomphe stands in front of the grand entrance to the Peyrou promenade, where the statue of Louis XIV welcomes visitors in an atmosphere full of history.
A few steps away, you'll find the plants garden, offering a green oasis in the heart of the city.
Then, stroll through the alleys bordering the square of the Comédie, where the Trois Grâces' fountain reigns in its center. The architecture of old Montpellier will transport you through the ages. History enthusiasts will also be satisfied by visiting Saint-Pierre' cathedral, an imposing architectural emblem, as well as the faculty of medicine, the oldest in the world, where every stone tells centuries of knowledge.
Finally, for a more contemporary cultural immersion, the Fabre museum houses numerous artistic treasures, offering a collection ranging from the 15th to the 21st century. The exhibited works showcase the artistic evolution through the ages.
Carnon or Palavas, enjoy the seaside and walks on the beach
To get to the beach from Montpellier, the first option is to take tramway line 3 to Pérols. From there, you can either take a shuttle bus or walk 20 minutes.
Alternatively, if a 40-minute bike ride doesn't scare you, you can rent a city bike and pedal for 40 minutes on the flat through the ponds. Nice, but just avoid windy days.
During the day you can sunbathe or swim, but Montpellier's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea also offers a unique opportunity to round off your day with a natural spectacle.
Enjoy a sunset on Carnon Beach. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and your favorite drink to enjoy a picnic at sunset. Carnon Beach provides an ideal setting to admire the sky and its stars. For the more indulgent, choose one of the beachfront restaurants or cafes and savor a delicious meal while listening to the sound of the waves and breathing in the sea air.
Sightseeing by train or bus from the city center, what to do around Montpellier?
Sete, Nimes or Bezier train day trips from Montpellier
Embark on a captivating journey from Montpellier, a city at the doorstep of adventure. Let the train guide you to Sète, a Mediterranean jewel renowned for its culinary delights. Upon arrival, you can savor tielles, these delicious seafood pies that embody the local gastronomy. Stroll through the city streets before climbing to the top of Mont Saint-Clair, from where you can admire the exceptional panorama of the fishing port.
Continue your day trips to Nîmes, a city steeped in Roman heritage. The amphitheater, a true witness to gladiators and grand games, will immerse you in the heart of antiquity. Stroll through les Jardins de la Fontaine, where history and nature harmoniously intersect, and let yourself be amazed by the splendor of la Maison Carrée, a preserved Roman temple that tells centuries of history.
Finally, take a seat on the train heading to Béziers, a city with multiple facets erected along the banks of the Orb. There, the Saint Nazaire cathedrale stands majestically, offering a moment of contemplation in the heart of architectural heritage. Le Pont Neuf, a symbol of human ingenuity, and the locks that punctuate the city reveal historical ties with le canal du Midi.
Village accessible by public transport from Montpellier, it's possible but complicated
Montpellier also offers destinations accessible by bus, such as la Couvertoirade, one of the most beautiful villages in France, located on the border of Hérault. This medieval village reveals cobblestone streets, imposing ramparts, and unveils the well-kept mysteries of the Knights Templar. An immersive escapade into the past, providing an authentic and captivating experience, accessible without a car from Montpellier.
For theater enthusiasts, an excursion to Pézenas promises a dive into artistic history, following in the footsteps of the famous Molière. Stroll through this historic town while indulging in its culinary specialty, the little Pézenas pâté, a gastronomic experience that perfectly complements this cultural escapade.
However, it is important to note that public transportation, although available, may have its inconveniences. The specific bus schedules can limit flexibility in your journey, and the destinations accessible by this means of transportation may be less varied. Despite these limitations, those who choose the bus in Montpellier remain rich in discoveries, amidst preserved nature and cultural heritage.
Day trips from Montpellier : must-see guided tours
You are in Montpellier without a car, and you enjoy exploring off the beaten path away from the crowds of city centers and beaches? Look into authentic day excursions for beautiful walks in the Languedoc hinterland!
These tours are by the day and depart from a streetcar stop in Montpellier. (No need for vehicles).
Even more comfortable, private tours from Montpellier are available on request. These days can even be customized.
Day trips to see the Herault great sites : Moureze, Salagou lake and Saint Guilhem le Desert
Get on board a small bus to enjoy a unique and convivial moment in a small group departing from Montpellier, exploring the region's greatest sites. Accompanied by a local guide, you will discover the most beautiful natural sites in the region where you can admire the diversity of landscapes, such as the peculiar rocks of cirque de Mourèze or lac du Salagou, known for its astonishing landscape of red sand.
In the same day, pass through the indestructible Pont du Diable that spans the Hérault River before arriving in one of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. In this picturesque village in the Vallée de l’Hérault, take the time to stroll through the alleys amidst the numerous artisans in the village. Don't forget to admire its mythical heritage and enter the imposing Gellone abbey, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A walk in the cirque de Navacelles, the natural jewel of the Languedoc region
Le cirque de Navacelles, located in les Grandes Causses, is one of our must-visit excursions from Montpellier. This natural cirque sculpted by millions of years of erosion is, today, one of the most iconic sites in the region and is classified as a major site of France. This location offers spectacular viewpoints of lush nature contrasting with the rocky walls of the cirque. It is the river la Vis that winds through the valley, creating exceptional waterfalls along its course, such as at moulin de la Foux. This geological site will provide you with a unique and unforgettable grand natural experience.
A day trip in Camargue, a natural immersion among horses, bulls and pink flamingos
Finally, nature enthusiasts can go on a Camargue tour, a wild territory with landscapes of sand, salt, and vineyards as far as the eye can see, also harboring numerous animal and plant species. Among horses, bulls, and pink flamingos, you will have the opportunity to spot lesser-known birds to the general public, such as egrets or even black storks for the luckiest.
For history enthusiasts, this territory is more than just a nature reserve; it offers a cultural journey where centuries blend together. Les Saintes Maries de la Mer will immerse you in the heart of Camargue traditions through its traditional festivals that celebrate the heritage of the guardians over time. Similarly, in Aigues-Mortes, an ancient trading port, you will be immersed in the medieval era on the city walls offering a breathtaking view of the salt marshes.
For the most adventurous among you, take to the heights of this territory by climbing to the top of the lighthouse of Espiguette, with the reward of a breathtaking viewpoint over the Camargue like you've never seen before.
What to do around Montpellier, and above all, what to do without a car?
Whether you want to explore authentic villages around Montpellier, relax by the side of a lake or soak up the charm of the Hérault's wine estates, Montpellier is the ideal starting point for days full of discovery.
With our tours around Montpellier, get out of town and enjoy unforgettable
Lisa Pagès
