Montpellier, France
Coastal exploration
France’s fastest-growing city, in the southern region of Languedoc-Roussillon is a fusion of modernity and antiquity, dating from before 1000CE. Just six miles inland from the Med, it’s perfectly placed for coastal exploration, with inland history aplenty.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | French | |
| Currency: | Euro | |
| Time zone: | GMT +1 (BST +1 in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 2 hours | |
| Holiday type: | Summer sun | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 19.5°C Rainfall: 656mm a year |
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Must see:
The imposing Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier, a French national monument, is well worth a look – famously fought-over over the centuries, it was rebuilt in the 17th century.
Must eat at:
If you’re prepared for a journey into rural Languedoc, the trip to the triple Michelin-starred Auberge du Vieux Puits will be well worth it. Run by the celebrated Gilles Goujon, it’s a gastronome’s paradise.
Must be there for:
Late July sees the Festival de Radio France et Montpellier, with about 100 classical and jazz concerts and film screenings, many of which are free.
Well-travelled tips:
• Look out for the town’s bike-sharing scheme, Vélomagg. Began in June 2007, it operates 1200 bicycles across 50 stations.
• If you want to use Montpellier has a base for further exploration, you’ll find the local TGV train service at Saint-Roch station.
Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit France.
