Where to Stay
For your stay I’d definitely consider Domaine de Biar – the 18th-century chateau makes an idyllic country retreat 20 mins west of town, set amongst green fields and roaming Camargue horses. Definitely spend a day driving through the Camargue btw – the unspoilt wetlands of flamingos and French cowboys. Unfortunately the hotel choice there isn’t wow, but I can definitely recommend some great spots to eat like La Chassagnete).
The coast directly under Montpellier isn’t worth a stay in my opinion either, it’s a bit too built up.
A 45 minute drive north east is Sommières, one of my favourite little old towns in this region because it’s just so unspoilt by gentrification. Think Uzès before the rest of the world discovered it – very “dans son jus” as the French say, how Provence still looked 30 years ago. It’s cheap as chips and there’s a good little small hotel in town with a pool but this isn’t a 600 euro a night hotel so it might not be up your alley, but it’s got charm and authenticity.
If you’re willing to drive a little further from Montpellier (in the range of 1h30) there’s some wonderful hotels like Chateau des Alpilles and L’Etoile des Baux. Or closer in neighbouring Nimes there’s the little paradise of le Jardin Secret.
Seeing & Doing
Hands-on experience by learning to prepare traditional Languedoc dishes in a local cooking class at L’Atelier du Goût.
Explore the ruins of Oppidum d’Altimurium an ancient hill-town near Murviel-lès-Montpellier, featuring remnants of Roman architecture and offering insights into the region’s history.
Visit these pink-hued salt marshes of Salin d’Aigues-Mortes , home to flamingos and offering a unique landscape.
Eating & Drinking
Located in Vieux Montpellier, Chez Faim offers an intimate setting with creative small plates.Chef Anthony Calbo, formerly of Paris, presents bold dishes like smoked beef tartare with apricot-kimchi sauce and smoked mussels.
For a cheerful bistro near Rue Roucher celebrates regional produce with a seasonal menu go toLes t’OCqués. Expect inventive dishes like roasted squash with gorgonzola or fish with fresh tagliatelle and kaffir lime sauce.
Situated on the banks of the Lez River, La Réserve Rimbaud a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a riverside terrace shaded by plane trees.It’s a refreshing haven in hot summers, serving modern and sophisticated dishes.