Visiting Montpellier from Camping Les Cigales
Montpellier is the dynamic capital of the Hérault region, with its mix of medieval and contemporary architecture, its cultural effervescence and its sunny atmosphere. Located around 45 minutes from Les Cigales campsite, it’s an ideal getaway for combining urban discovery, heritage and year-round entertainment.
A city steeped in history and art
Montpellier is one of the most fascinating cities in the south of France, combining historic heritage with contemporary dynamism. Its historic center, l’Écusson, is a maze of medieval streets lined with listed buildings, independent boutiques and lively little squares. The city is home to the world’s oldest surviving faculty of medicine, an architectural gem adjoining the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Pierre. The Arc de Triomphe, the Promenade du Peyrou and the town’s mansions bear witness to its rich past.
The Musée Fabre, housed in a former 18ᵉ century palace, is a benchmark for fine art in the south of France, with works ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary art, including major pieces by Courbet, Soulages and Bazille. Montpellier also seduces with its bold architectural mix, where the modern lines of the Antigone district rub shoulders with ancient buildings. It’s a city to explore on foot, camera in hand, where every street holds a surprise, a panorama or a piece of history. Just 45 minutes from Camping Les Cigales, it’s well worth a full day’s visit.
Mediterranean atmosphere and cultural life
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Montpellier is the perfect embodiment of the Mediterranean art of living. Its neighborhoods, from the classic Antigone to the bohemian Beaux-Arts, each offer their own special atmosphere: farmers’ markets, lively alleyways, terraced cafés and craft shops set the pace for local life. The colorful, designer tramway network makes it easy to get to and from places of interest.
The city is also a cultural mecca, with a rich program of festivals (Dance, Radio France, Comédie du Livre, Cinémed), exhibitions, shows and street performances. Street art is omnipresent, transforming the city’s walls into open-air galleries.
Places like Halle Tropisme, MoCo and Opéra Comédie bear witness to this artistic effervescence. In the evening, the Place de la Comédie lights up and becomes the city’s nerve center, with its street musicians, entertainment and lively restaurants. In summer and winter alike, Montpellier offers a rich cultural life accessible to all.
Organize your visit from the campsite
Getting to Montpellier from Camping Les Cigales is quick and easy, with a 45-minute drive. For a convenient, stress-free visit, we recommend parking in one of the nearby park-and-ride facilities (Odysseum, Mosson, etc.) and taking the tramway to the city center, thus avoiding traffic constraints. The campsite provides detailed maps, suggested tours according to your interests (art, history, family, shopping), and picnic baskets on request.
To get the most out of the city, it’s best to arrive in the morning, especially in summer, to enjoy pleasant temperatures and the peace and quiet of the early hours. Montpellier can be visited in any season, and can be combined with other stops such as Palavas-les-Flots or the Domaine de Grammont. To complete your stay, explore our pages: accommodation, services available and activities offered from the campsite.