Top Rated Attractions in Montpellier

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 wide promenade extends from the Place de la Comédie up to the rose-colored Corum building. Trees and fountains welcome those seeking to escape the summer heat or bustle of the city center. The far end of the esplanade looks out across the northern district of the city and the stairs leading up to the roof of the Corum offer an even wider panorama. On the west side of the esplanade is the Musée Fabre while to the east is the museum's pavilion and the Champ de Mars gardens - within this space are several contemporary statues (notably Baldini's Le Vent) as well as classical ones. The mini-train and horse-drawn carriages also use the esplanade as their point of departure for tours of the city.

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.

Parc Zoologique de Montpellier functions as the home of 100 different indigenous and exotic species. No tiny or concrete cages are to be seen and the spacious enclosures and vegetation allow the animals some privacy. A little patience is amply rewarded by the possibility of seeing zebra, antelope, camels and even cheetahs in a habitat of woodland and shrubs. With 9 kilometers (5 miles) of paths to explore and several picnic sites, the zoo allows a relaxing yet active and educational visit. The Parc Zoologique de Montpellier is also home to a restaurant where you can retire to when your wildlife expeditions have left you famished.

Created in 1593, today, the Le Jardin des Plantes is a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding metropolis. It contains a wide variety of both indigenous and exotic species, as well as several trees that date back to when the garden was founded. The paths intertwine on different levels and the garden contains several small follies, canals, grottoes and many busts of bearded botanists. Other features of this beautiful garden include an orangery, tropical greenhouses, a bamboo garden, rock gardens and even a small duck pond.