What to see and do
City Tour
YOU’LL see people offering ‘free’ guided tours of the historic centre with its narrow lanes and alleyways (although there is usually a hard sell for tips), but these groups aren’t actually allowed inside some buildings. You’re best going for a fully-trained and paid guide such as the excellent Bruno Martinez who can be booked via the tourist board website (see below) from £10pp, depending on group size, for two hours.
Life’s a beach
MONTPELLIER isn’t actually by the sea but it’s not far. If you want to feel the sand between your toes, ask at the tourist information centre in Place de la Comédie for bus and tram directions to Carnon Plage or the wilder Villeneuve-lèsMaguelone. Or take a 20-minute train to Sète, where you can slurp oysters then relax on the beach there.
Must-see museums
IF YOU only have time to take in a couple of museums, head to the recently-opened Moco
(moco.art, £7) and the Musée Fabre (museefabre.fr, from £7).
The former houses contemporary art in a stylish mansion close to the centre and only opened in June. Save time for a glass of wine afterwards in its shady courtyard.
The latter is one of the biggest in France, founded in 1825, and houses a large eclectic range of paintings as well as sculptures and ceramics, all spanning several centuries.
Hic hic hooray!
MONTPELLIER is in the heart of the Languedoc wine region. If you don’t have a hire car you can easily reach the vineyard at Château de Flaugergues (flaugergues.com, from £3.50) by bus, which also means there’s no worries about driving back after a tipple or three. (It’s about two miles from the centre.) Or go on a five-hour guided trip (instant-terroir.com, £70pp) which includes transport, a visit to two local wineries and lunch.