Montpellier

Welcome to France’s second gay city after Paris. The capital of the Languedoc Roussillon, Montpellier is a favorite with the French, voted as the most desirable city to live in. And it is hard to argue with that given the Mediterranean climate, proximity to the sandy beaches, the broad boulevards lined with shady plane trees, a huge car-free central square laid out in the 1700s surrounded by elegant balustraded buildings, even a vast triumphal arch – you name it, Montpellier’s got it.

The first weekend in June sees the annual Gay Pride and related party events held through out the Gay
quarter. Also in the summer there is an annual dance festival, classical music concerts and ballet with Opera at both the Corum and Comédie venues.

The city has a wonderful range of art galleries: Musee Fabre and it’s collection of 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th
century works and for the more contemporary check out La Panacé. Also in the old city centre, L’Ecusson, you will find a plethora of galleries, boutiques and bars.

The region boasts 300 days of sunshine with summer temperatures often topping 30 degrees Celsius but it is a dry heat. Winter months are less crowded and the sun often shines but temperatures can drop to a chilly 3 degrees Celsius. If you want to avoid the crowds, Spring and Autumn are wonderful times to visit.

The city is very well connected. The airport (with regular shuttle buses to the city) is well served by national and international flights. The TGV also stops here making high speed rail a good option. Once in the city there is an excellent and expanding tram network and plenty of public transport on offer, including a city bike hire scheme. Parking is simple but can be expensive but the local road connections are excellent and the city is well placed for the excellent French ‘auto-route’ network giving easy access to nearby Spain, Provence and the stunning surrounding countryside.

Montpellier is a safe and clean city. The locals are friendly but be ready for that special ‘French’ customer
service!

The Gay Scene in Montpellier

Montpellier offers an interesting mixture of hip & chic and has something for all ages.

View the Gay Scene in Montpellier