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‘Gifted' European city that's 25°C in September with Mediterranean beaches
Bustling Paris is a classic city break, offering striking Eiffel Tower views and strolls along the Seine – but there are plenty of alternative places to visit in France beyond the capital.
For example: a city dubbed the 'Venice of France', romantic and tiny small towns, a 'hidden' holiday hotspot with £15 flights, and a naturist village if that's your thing.
Add to the list the charming city Montpellier – which has previously been nicknamed the surdouée , meaning 'gifted' or 'wonder child'.
Montpellier, which sits on the South of France's Mediterranean coast, may be petite compared to Paris, but it's still the country's seventh-largest city and home to some 486,000 people.
It's the fastest-growing French city over the last 50 years, more than doubling in population from just 119,000 residents in 1962.
And with rich history to explore and a reliable dose of sunshine, it has a lot to offer tourists.
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The best way to soak up Montpellier's bountiful offering of medieval alleys, ornate fountains and incredible architecture is to wander the streets on foot.
A great place to start is Écusson, Montpellier's old town – the centre of the city.
Named for its Écu (old French coin) shape, this district is the oldest (built in the Middle Ages) and also the most vibrant, bursting with quirky indy shops and restaurants, as well as nods to the district's history.
One such feature is Europe's oldest medical school, the Faculty of Medicine, which was founded in the 12th century and still in operation today.
Nearby, you can find France's oldest botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, for a peaceful stroll – and admire the Gothic architecture of Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.
Time your visit for a Tuesday or Saturday between 7am to 1.30pm, and the area comes alive with the outdoor Marché des Arceaux.
Held beneath the towering Arceaux Aqueduct, it's Montpellier's biggest food market, and is packed with local produce. Be sure to pick up some pelardon – the region's creamy goat cheese.
If you love Paris' Arc de Triomphe, Montpellier has a less-famous version – the Porte du Peyrou, built in 1692 – just along the promenade.
Elsewhere, by the square Place de la Comedie you'll find the art museum Musée Fabre.
Or, if you prefer, simply sitting in one Montpellier's numerous squares with a coffee and pastry (or glass of wine) is great way to soak up the vibes.
Montpellier's location means you can also fit in a beach break, if you wish.
A 20-minute tram ride away are 7km of beaches in the nearby resort of Palavas-les-Flots. If you're lucky, you might see flamingos wading in the Méjean lagoon en route.
Otherwise, the sandy Petit Travers and Grand Travers beaches are about 30 minutes by car.
Montpellier is 10km inland from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Occitanie region.
It has an airport – Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport – which has direct flights to and from the UK.
On Skyscanner, we found return easyJet flights for September from London Gatwick for £85, and for as little as £74 return in October.
As for where to stay, we spotted Airbnb rooms from £33 per night and apartments from £42 per night, if you're travelling in September. Hotel prices vary depending on when you visit, but there are plenty of affordable options.
Peak tourist season is around the July to August school holidays – expect Montpellier to be busy in the months either side of this (June and September).
As a result, if you're keen to veer away from the crowds, the best time to visit is May to mid-June and late-September to October – or perhaps even during the winter months.
If the weather is solely guiding your travel plans, the warmest time of year in Montpellier is, as you'd expect, from June to September. More Trending
July is the hottest month with an average high temperature of 29°C, while August's average highs are just a degree cooler at 28°C, Holiday Weather notes.
June and September's average highs both hit 25°C, while October drops to a pleasant 20°C.
This article was originally published in January 2024 and has been updated.
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