Top Rated Attractions in Montpellier

Located close to the historic city center, the exterior of Saint Pierre Cathedral is distinguished by its twin towers rising above the surrounding buildings. The current entrance is by the unassuming doorway in rue du Cardinal Cabrières, next to which one can still distinguish the marks of shots fired by Royalist troops in 1815. Worth noting is the restoration of 19th-century stained glass windows and paintings, most notably the demise of Simon le Magicien by Sébastien Bourbon (1621).

Located in the historic city center, this immense, pedestrianized square is the heart and soul of Montpellier. Deriving its name from the first theater built in the 18th Century on the site of what is now the Opéra, this expansive square is the site of major open-air shows and daily street entertainment. At the center of the square, beneath the handsome facades of the surrounding 19th-century buildings, is the fountain of the Three Graces.

This historic building is located three kilometers (one mile) east of the city center. Once a country house, this family property now finds itself and its surrounding parks and vineyards entirely swallowed by the city. The Château de Flaugergues which dates from the 17th Century and its collection of 17th and 18th-century furnishings and art (including a large collection of optical instruments) can be visited throughout the year (though the timings differ). Outside the house one can admire the gardens à la française as well as the château's own vineyards (Coteaux de la Méjanelle) whose wines can be tasted and bought on site.

This long, raised esplanade extends out from the city center towards the Arceaux district. Ornamented with a triumph arch, the Promenade du Peyrou offers a far-fetching panorama of its scenic environs. The views from the promenade stretch from the Mediterranean to Pic St Loup and beyond, towards the gorges of the Herault to the north of the city. Thanks to its higher elevation above the city of eternal sunshine Montpellier, many visitors find that it is the perfect spot to relax in the calming setting away from the bustle. In fact, the promenade has been a popular rendezvous point and a socio-cultural hub since 1689. Visitors can stroll under the shade of ancient sycamores, explore the weekly antique fair, or enjoy a picnic.

Standing on one end of the Jardin de Peyrou, this triumphal arch is one of the city's most impressive sights. Modeled after the Porte Saint-Denis in Paris, the Porte du Peyrou in Montpellier was designed by François Dorbay and completed in 1693. Large bas-relief panels were added to the outside of the structure in 1715 to commemorate the achievements of King Louis XIV. A small door under the vaulted archway provides access to the interior of the monument and a staircase winds up to the rooftop terrace for a magnificent view of the city.

Opéra Comédie is an Italian-style opera house that was built in 1888. Constructed in an elegant, classical style, the building's foyer has a marble staircase and surrounding statues. Inside, the stage is set off by a beautiful gilded ceiling that has gorgeous, detailed paintings. Attending a performance here is not only a rewarding cultural experience, but a treat for the senses. Opéra Comédie presents choral and symphonic concerts in addition to its opera performances. Check website for a complete schedule of upcoming events.