Looking for the best way to discover Montpellier? Here are 10 ideas for guided tours in Montpellier!
With its mild Mediterranean climate, the city of Montpellier appeals to many. But it also plays on its charms thanks to the diversity of its environment. Indeed, each part of Montpellier has its own personality: from the heart of the historic center and its picturesque little streets to the impressive architecture of the Antigone district.
Whether you’re a fan of history, street art or gastronomy, explore the city known as « la Surdouée » with our 12 ideas for guided tours in Montpellier.
In Montpellier intra-muros
1. Discover Montpellier’s historic center
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To start our selection of the best guided tours of Montpellier, let’s discover the Ecusson district. The historic heart of the city of Montpellier, it is the guarantor of the vestiges of the past. A medieval atmosphere that, to put it mildly, is still home to a house dating back to the 14th century!
Built on a hill, the district is the oldest part of Montpellier. The surrounding boulevards are located on the sites of the medieval ditches that once lined the city’s main wall.
This tour will immerse you in the unique atmosphere of the Ecusson district. It’s a thousand-year journey through the charming little streets that awaits you!
2. Contemporary architecture along the Lez
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After the historic center, head to the heart of the new Port Marianne district for a guided tour along the banks of the Lez. Organized by the Montpellier Tourist Office, this tour takes you on a journey of discovery of the district’s impressive and renowned contemporary architecture.
With the Arbre Blanc, the highlight of this guided tour and the latest architectural extravaganza by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, an entire district has been dubbed the « urban forest ».
Take a tour of Philippe Starck’s Nuage building, the RBC Concept Store, a temple of designer furniture, and the water mirror by fountain-maker Jean-Max Llorca.
3. History of medicine
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Montpellier also boasts 800 years of medical history. From its very beginnings, the city has welcomed students and doctors from all over the world. Above all, Montpellier’s Faculty of Medicine is the world’s oldest practising university medical school!
This guided tour, organized by the Tourist Office, takes you on a journey through the town’s medical past, exploring the facades of its most emblematic buildings.
Take a stroll through the old medical student quarter and discover the famous Faculty of Medicine, where Rabelais, Rondelet and Nostradamus all studied. This guided tour of Montpellier also includes a visit to the St-Côme amphitheatre and the Miséricorde pharmacy.
4. The Beaux-Arts district
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Also organized by the Tourist Office, this guided tour of Montpellier takes you through the Beaux-Arts district.
With its Mediterranean village feel, the Beaux-Arts district is a « village in the city » with a strong identity. From the old slaughterhouse days to the bohemian allure of today, discover the artistic and popular atmosphere of the area, characterized by atypical architecture.
5. Discovering street art
Photo credit: Facebook – Montpellier Loves Street Art
A medium of expression for thousands of years, street art is a veritable institution, encompassing disciplines such as graffiti, stencilling, collage, mosaics and street installations.
The city of Montpellier is brimming with artistic urban creations, each more astonishing than the last. Graffiti, trompe-l’œil and stencils color the city, promising a unique, authentic and artistic guided tour. For an overview of Montpellier’s street art, book your guided tour with the Tourist Office.
Alternatively, the editorial team recommends discovering the artistic wonders of the Mediterranean district. Moke, Sunra, Ose,
Arkane, Nubian… These artists have left their mark here, creating a veritable open-air art gallery! A guided tour is available via the LineUp association, which specializes in the promotion and development of Montpellier street art.
6. Montpellier’s Instagrammable spots with a local
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If you’re passionate about photography and want to discover new places to spice up your Instagram feed, this guided tour of Montpellier by LocalBini is for you!
Accompanied by a local, you’ll set off to explore the city’s most beautiful little streets, stopping off at the most unique spots to capture your best memories. As an added bonus, your private guide will share invaluable tips on how to perfect your shots, from your phone or camera.
7. Discover Montpellier by Segway
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Segway Montpellier
Looking for an original way to discover the beautiful Surdouée? Take a guided Segway tour!
After a training session to master the art of the Segway, set off to discover the city’s emblematic sites and monuments. A tour of the old and new districts will take you on a playful journey through Montpellier’s history!
8. A gourmet visit
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Because food usually puts everyone in agreement, let’s meet up for this gastronomic and sightseeing tour of Montpellier!
Known as « la Surdouée », the city is renowned not only for its medieval architecture, but also for its cuisine and fine wines. Emblematic monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Saint-Clément aqueduct, the stalls of the famous Halles market with its variety of wines, cheeses, pastries and regional wines… So many sites and delights to discover on this walking tour accompanied by a local guide.
On this tour, you’ll also have great photo opportunities with magnificent views of the city. As a bonus, enjoy a tasting of up to 10 different regional dishes and wines!
9. Montpellier City Tour by bus
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At first glance, the guided bus tour may seem a little classic. But in the end, it’s a sure-fire way to discover a city in its entirety. This tour, offered by the Montpellier Tourist Office, will enable you to discover the city’s most emblematic districts, all in one trip!
On the program: the Antigone district, Port Marianne, Odysseum, the historic center, St Pierre Cathedral and the medical school. A complete guided tour of Montpellier, available in 10 different languages. Ideal if you want to show the city to a friend from out of town!
10. Free guided tour of Montpellier
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To round off our selection of guided tours of Montpellier, here’s a free tour offered by civitatis. It takes you on a tour of Montpellier’s historic center to discover the medieval past of the French Occitanie region.
Departing from the famous Place de la Comédie, you’ll then make your way to the Tour de la Babote near the opera house, before continuing on to St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. All in all, a complete tour of the city center!
Sightseeing around Montpellier
11. A day in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and Mourèze
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While there’s plenty to discover in Montpellier itself, the surrounding area is just as worth a visit!
To begin with, we’ll take you on a discovery tour combining natural landscapes and ancient villages, departing from Montpellier in a mini-van. In a small group, the tour begins in the heart of the small medieval village of Mourèze and its cirque of extravagant rock formations. Then stop off at Lac du Salagou for a picnic by the water’s edge.
In the early afternoon, admire the beautiful gorges and a medieval bridge listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Finish the day with a stroll through the picturesque streets of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: a typical village brimming with craft stores in an enchanting natural setting.
12. The Pic Saint-Loup and its vineyards from Montpellier
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To round off our selection of the best guided tours of Montpellier and the surrounding area, let’s head for the famous Pic Saint-Loup and its vineyards!
Through the Mediterranean countryside, enjoy a tasting of great Languedoc wines on this tour that includes two wineries. Not forgetting, of course, the picturesque scenery of the Pic Saint-Loup! An authentic, gourmet tour that promises an unforgettable time with your loved ones.
So, which of these guided tours appeals most to you?