Your digital welcome book in Montpellier

Welcome to Montpellier, the city of sunshine

Montpellier is the city of sunshine, partying and good spirits. Alongside the medieval architecture that gives it such wild character, the city is dynamic, buzzing and full of surprises. Whether you're into history, culture or simply after a lively city that's a joy to explore, it's an unmissable destination in the south of France.

Montpellier and its nightlife

First things first, let's start with the really fun side of this city. It's famous for its student life and its lively nights out. The city centre is packed with bars and restaurants. Our tips: Le Panis and the Broc Café. And if you're after a good Sunday-morning brunch, Tartine et Sac à Dos is the place to be. But part of Montpellier's charm lies in its beach bars too. Tried and tested by the StyQR team: La Pampa, le Bambou and l'Effet Mer. They're all outside the city centre, so don't be afraid to venture a little further out.

A live music fan? You're in the right place. Plenty of festivals take place over the summer, such as the Festival Radio France Occitanie and the Printemps des Comédiens. More in the mood for discovery and the great outdoors? Again, you're in exactly the right place. Whether you fancy doing nothing at all on a fine sandy beach or heading off on a hike with panoramic views over the city, there's plenty to enjoy. Give in to the Pic Saint Loup walk for a truly exceptional panorama.

Places you mustn't miss

Finally, you can't spend time in the city of sunshine without seeing its landmarks. Let's start at the very heart of the city: Place de la Comédie and the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle. Iconic, impossible to miss and absolutely essential. From there you're perfectly placed to take the grand boulevards and head into the Écusson district, Montpellier's old town. It's 80% pedestrianised, so wonderfully easy to wander through. And don't overlook Rue de l'Ancien Courrier: narrow, cobbled and lined with shops.

Its Arc de Triomphe, every bit as impressive as its Parisian counterpart, stands at the end of the well-known Avenue Foch. The Promenade du Peyrou begins just beneath the arch. It's an exceptional park with a lovely view out to sea, and really the spot to come and rest and enjoy the good weather. If you pass through the botanical gardens then you simply have to (yes, we said it) see one of the most striking buildings in the city: Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Neighbourhoods not to be missed

In an entirely different style, the Antigone district will make you feel as though you've changed city altogether. And yet you haven't! Its originality comes from architecture completely unlike the rest of the city. Speaking of districts, Saint-Roch and Saint-Anne sit side by side and are full of little bars, art galleries and street performers. Lively and warm-hearted: everything we love.

Culture and discoveries

And to end our visit on a cultural note, call in at the celebrated Musée Fabre. It's especially renowned for its beauty and its breathtaking collection. We've got a little tip for you, too: the museum is free on the first Sunday of every month, so make the most of it!

That's where our Montpellier tour ends. As you know, StyQR is based in Montpellier, so writing about our beautiful city was of course a real pleasure. If you'd like to know more, we've put together a complete welcome book. Do take a look!