Montpellier

To explore the Roquefort Société Caves, you must venture a bit off the beaten path, approximately 1 1/2 hours northwest of Montpellier. The prime period to witness the cheeses ripening in the caves spans from January through July. However, access to the caves remains available throughout the entire year.

Place de la Comédie, situated in the heart of Montpellier, is a bustling and iconic square that serves as the vibrant focal point of the city. Also known as 'Place de l'oeuf' (Square Egg) due to its oval shape, the square is surrounded by stunning architectural landmarks, including the Opéra Comédie and the Three Graces fountain. A lively hub of activity, Place de la Comédie is adorned with outdoor cafés, restaurants, shops, and street performers, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.

The original church was destroyed during the religious wars of the 16th century, but it is still an exciting historical destination. The name, Notre-Dame des Tables, comes from the tables of the currency exchange that was linked to the spice trade, originally located in front of the church.

Situated within the Department of Medicine, the museum holds the distinction of being the oldest in the city. It houses a remarkable collection of historic European drawings, paintings, and manuscripts. This extensive assortment was meticulously gathered by the collector Xavier Atger and features works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Tiepolo, Carracci, and Fragonard.

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in town, and no wonder why — it contains 3,500 animals from nearly 300 species which fills the 24 pools. Beyond its impressive marine life collection, the aquarium offers a unique experience with various marine landscapes and features cutting-edge exhibits, including storm and hurricane simulators.

Montpellier Zoological Park, sprawling across an 80-hectare site, boasts an impressive collection with 141 species and over 1350 animals. This expansive and diverse habitat offers a delightful experience for visitors, combining the joys of nature with the opportunity to observe a wide array of wildlife.

Situated in an authentic paleontological site, this dinosaur park stands as the largest in Europe, making it an exceptional day trip from Montpellier. Combining real fossil displays with life-size dinosaur models, including the impressive 25-metre-long Brachiosaurus, the park offers a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Located on the outskirts of Montpellier, Château de la Mogère is a magnificent 18th-century castle surrounded by sprawling gardens and vineyards. This historic estate, once a residence of Montpellier nobility, showcases classic French architecture with its elegant façade and meticulously landscaped grounds. The château is renowned for its well-preserved interiors, featuring lavish furnishings and period details that offer a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle of the past. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, adorned with fountains and sculptures, and savour the charm of this enchanting castle.

This lovely animal farm is located just outside of Montpellier, only a short drive northeast of the city. Animal inhabitants of the farm include alpacas, pigs, donkeys, goats, adorable ponies and more — all rather friendly. Plus, boat rides or pedal boats, inflatable structures and games for children.

There are multiple companies offering wine tours to wineries in the Montpellier area. Some include a visit to an olive farm (and other activities), followed by a tour of one of the regional wineries, which usually includes a wine-tasting session. One company organising tours of this kind is Montpellier Wine Tours.

From the outside, Carré Sainte Anne deceptively looks like just another church. Those who do venture inside, however, will be surprised to see the refurbished space that has been turned into a contemporary exhibition pavilion, with expositions designed to resonate with the unusual nature of the space.