Montpellier in the Languedoc-Rousillon region is a university city famed for it wonderful old buildings and its great natural scenery encompassing both coastal and inland areas. The city enjoys warm weather for at least four months of the year (if not six) and is a popular holiday destination with Europeans and domestic visitors alike.
Family holidaymakers will appreciate Montpellier’s fine beaches; the city’s soft sandy strips are the ideal place to spend relaxing summer days with the little ones. They are also ideal locations for water sport enthusiasts, with a variety of aqua-activities on offer.
For purpose-built attractions, visitors can check out the city’s popular safari park style zoo or enjoy a lively day of water-based thrills at Aqualand, located in the nearby city of Cap d’Agde. Shopping enthusiasts will find an excellent choice of retail outlets on offer, with everything from chic boutiques to well-known French chain stores.
Sightseeing and cultural attractions are abundant in Montpellier, with numerous splendid castles and structures from yesteryear as well as museums covering topics such as art and history. A walk around Ecusson, the old part of the city, is many visitors’ first introduction to Montpellier’s heritage.
Food is as good in Montpellier as it is in other parts of the country, with the Languedoc-Rousillon cuisine delivering some truly mouth-watering creations. As the region is also famous for wine production, it’s only fitting that you should wash your meal down with a quality, locally made vintage.
The city caters well to visitors, providing a solid selection of accommodation options among which are big names such as Holiday Inn, Sofitel and Comfort Inn. Visitors will also find plenty of comfortable mid-range hotels. The local transport network makes getting around easy, while for visitors wanting convenience, taxis and rental cars are available.
Montpellier is easily reached, with its own international airport providing direct flights to limited European destinations and regular links with Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. The road network offers easy access from Paris and other major French cities, while buses and trains make connections with Montpellier from destinations nationwide as well as from other EU countries.
Montpellier’s climate is mild across the seasons, with the city benefiting from Mediterranean influences and the shelter afforded by the Massif Central Mountains. Summers in the city are hot, with July and August seeing temperatures soaring into the high 20s (ºC), providing ideal conditions for days spent on the beach or engaged in outdoor activities. The summer season lasts from late May through September and is the city’s busiest time for holidaymakers.
Winters in Montpellier are cool, but not cold, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 10ºC. Spring and autumn see pleasantly warm weather during the day and cooler nights and early mornings. Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year, although September and October are the wettest months, the former by a significant margin.
