After a satisfying lunch with martinis, we set out to uncover more of Montpellier, starting with some hidden treasures right in the open. Our first discovery was a 13th-century Mikvé. Before coming to Montpellier, I didn’t know what a Mikvé was, but thanks to a last-minute tour we booked at the city’s tourism office, I found out it’s a ceremonial Jewish bath. This particular one is quite remarkable, being centuries old and excellently preserved in Europe.
We continued wandering through the city until we reached the Porte du Peyrou, which is Montpellier’s version of the Arc de Triomphe, situated next to an impressive courthouse. This monument was built to honor King Louis XIV, the creator of the Palace of Versailles. What’s truly fascinating is that you can book a tour to explore inside and reach the top for some fantastic views of the city—a must-do on your visit!
While you’re nearby, don’t miss the chance to explore the Promenade du Peyrou across from the arch. It’s a lovely park worth strolling through.
We’d been told to visit the cathedral in the city, so we wandered off in its general direction. Although we probably took the longest route possible, the aimless exploration turned out to be a great way to discover charming streets and unexpected viewpoints.
The cathedral itself is enormous and breathtaking, one of the largest I’ve seen from the outside. It was a surprising sight! Next door is the medical school, part of one of the world’s oldest universities. We made a quick visit, which offered a unique perspective on the cathedral since both buildings are connected.
Inside the cathedral, the impressive design continued to amaze us. Given the summer heat, we soon started thinking about ways to cool down in the city. We made a brief stop at the Église Saint-Roch de Montpellier, then decided to enjoy some evening drinks under the sun to relax.
Dinner that night was at L’idée Saveurs, a local favorite. The food was incredible and a perfect ending to our sunny day in the South of France—seared tuna, perfectly cooked lamb, and delightful desserts and cheeses hit the spot.
After dinner, we headed to Place de la Comédie, where everyone seemed to be enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place to unwind with drinks and chill in the city during the evening, this is the spot.
Eventually, we wrapped up our day and returned to the hotel, thoroughly captivated by the charm of Montpellier.
