What to do around Montpellier with family?

What to do around Montpellier with family?

Sea, medieval towns, vineyards, abbeys, castles, hikes, museum visits... There's no shortage of choices within 1 hour of Montpellier.

1 – Going to the seaside

• Palavas-les-Flots is located only 15 minutes from Montpellier, dunes and fine sand as far as the eye can see up to Carnon, la Grande-Motte... The Cathedral of Maguelone is an absolute must!
• 30 minutes from Montpellier are the Aresquiers beach, Frontignan-Plage, the famous Thau lagoon and its oyster farms where you'll also find small ports with a local atmosphere such as: Bouzigues, Mèze, Marseillan. Finally, to relax, why not take a trip to the thermal spa of Balaruc-les-Bains?
• 45 minutes away, the Bagnas Nature Reserve leads you to Cap d'Agde, the fortified city of Aigues-Mortes is a must-see seaside site, as is the fishing port of Grau-du-Roi. If you prefer more remote and authentic places, don't miss the Espiguette beach, where wild and preserved nature awaits you.

2 – Character villages

These villages are located less than 45 minutes from Montpellier.

• Saint-Martin-de-Londres, Les Matelles and Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles to the north, are typical medieval towns with their maze of narrow streets, their churches, their ramparts, their stone facades from the local area that suddenly give you the impression of having made a leap in time... Saint-Martin-de-Londres, Les Matelles and Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles immerse you in the heart of Languedoc vineyards.
• Viols-le-Fort and its Dolmen, the perched village of Puéchabon, Montpeyroux and the ruins of its fortified castle, Saint-Jean-de-Fos and its circulade architecture, are also medieval villages. Just like Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert which is located on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route and is classified among the most beautiful villages in France as its medieval treasures are numerous.
• Teleport yourself to planet Mars by walking around Lake Salagou, in a unique and incredible landscape with its red earth hills loaded with iron oxide that contrast with the blue of the lake. Stroll through the dolomitic cirque of Mourèze, and pass by the 17th century Royal Manufacture of Villeneuvette, a vibrant testimony to a rich past.
• To the east, are the little Camargue and the Mediterranean villages of the Lunel region: Marsillargues and its castle, Saint-Christol and its vineyards, the Viavino wine tourism site, the archaeological site of Ambrussum, the castle and night markets of Sommières...

Local crafts, typical little shops... Savor every moment spent in these medieval towns that will reveal all their secrets to you...

3 – Sites not to be missed within ½ hour of Montpellier

Go cool off at the Devil's Bridge which crosses the Hérault and admire the wild and magnificent gorges of this site, the Angels' footbridge will offer you the most beautiful view. Discover all aspects of this preserved place in the Grand Site House.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is nearby, in August, don't miss the pottery market of Saint-Jean-de-Fos, a tradition that has been perpetuated since the 15th century.

Labeled Grand Site de France, it offers a spectacular view. This 300-meter deep canyon houses at its center, the Virgin rock.

Visit its arenas which host, notably, the Féria, historical shows and the Nîmes Festival. Also to see, the Maison Carrée, a perfectly preserved Roman temple and the Fountain Gardens.

A 3-story Roman aqueduct, the highest in the world and the only one of this size still present.

4 – Abbeys and castles

• The Abbey of Vignogoul, located in Pignan, was built on the ruins of a 12th century monastery, with southern Gothic architecture. Imposing, this abbey has the appearance of a cathedral.
• The castle of Restinclières, and its 240 hectares of gardens, are composed of French gardens, forests and scrubland. Thematic activities around nature and the environment are available on site.
• Valmagne Abbey is among the most magnificent Cistercian abbeys in France, and its vines are among the oldest in the region. Classified as an exceptional site, it houses Russian oak vats, a cloister with Florentine allure, a superb chapter house with its fountain, a rare monument. The medieval garden as well as the grape variety conservatory complete this timeless visit, you can, of course, discover the estate's wines and its restaurant. Finally, the treasure hunt will allow you to discover the Abbey with family.
• The castle of Sommières, built in the 11th century, has been gradually restored since the 1990s. You will have the possibility to visit the royal chapel of Saint-Sauveur as well as the courtyard, a former parade ground. Digital animations as well as workshops for children are offered.

5 – The vineyards

Set off to discover the terroirs and appellations of the region whose names you certainly already know: Grés de Montpellier, Pic Saint-Loup, Terrasses du Larzac, muscats from Lunel or Frontignan... The best is to go to the estates to share this love of wine or opt for a gastronomic stroll that will reveal the riches of Hérault's wine lands.

6 – Walks and hikes

• The Nature House in Lattes is located on a protected site near the Méjean lagoon, you can observe the local flora and fauna (pink flamingo, European pond turtle...), as well as a discovery trail with interactive facilities.
• The Grand Pic Saint-Loup territory, routes and hikes on foot or by bike, for all levels, are available on this GR trail.
• Lake Salagou, circuits around the lake allow you to discover an exceptional site by crossing typical villages, vines, geological curiosities and incredible landscapes, no less than 15 trails are offered according to levels.

7 – What to see around Montpellier with family?

• The Seaquarium of Grau du Roi,
• The Clamouse cave,
• The dinosaur and prehistory museum-park of Mèze.