My Favorite Places in Montpellier

My Favorite Places in Montpellier

A subjective guide to the coolest French town no one talks about.
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Even though I only spent two days of my life in this city, I think about it often.

It has a certain "je nais sais qua", and a natural coolness to it while also being insanely picturesque.

Unlike a lot of other ancient village-like towns in the South of France (or in France in general), Montpellier is also a university town which means that there is a seemingly disproportionate amount of young people and hip establishments compared to the old traditional time capsule feel.  It's unbelievable to me that nobody talks about this place. Maybe that's part of why it still feels so cool..

Conveniently, it is also under an hour from Marseille on the train. And of the number of fantastic day trip options from Marseille (Arles, Cassis, Aix en Provence, Hyeres...) Montpellier is still the day trip I'd probably take again first. 

Food

ADN Café Montpellier speciality coffee
@sarahpollock
Amazing speciality coffee option. The guy who owns it is super passionate too, it's awesome.
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Blend Coffee Shop - Cantine
@sarahpollock
Great if you also want a quick breakfast with your coffee! I got the yogurt bowl for breakfast and took a sandwich to go and very much enjoyed both.
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Bonobo
@sarahpollock
The cafe for people who want more done-up breakfast/brunch options (pancake stack type things). I only had coffee here but the food looked GOOD.
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La Bistrote
@sarahpollock
The only place I ate at in Montpellier that was actually French. And also where I'd also recommend you go if you want something French.
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Green Lab
@sarahpollock
If you want falafel, you will not be disappointed.
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BERLINPINPIN Kebab Doner Montpellier
@sarahpollock
Surprisingly tasty doner kebab takeout. Especially great as a late-night option!
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Matt Burger
@sarahpollock
I was craving a burger for dinner and when I tell you this satisfied my burger craving like nothing else.... holy shit. The fries were also insane.
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PADOVA - Glacier Italien Créateur Artisanal - Fabrication sur place - Café Italien
@sarahpollock
THE spot for gelato according to some nice college girls. It did not disappoint.
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Not Food

PHARMACIE DE L’ECUSSON
@sarahpollock
Adorable historic pharmacy with a lot of quintessential French/European brands you wouldn't find in a traditional pharmacy (not even a French one). Stock up on BULY 1803 and Santa Maria Novella here.
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Jardin des plantes de Montpellier
@sarahpollock
The crown jewel of the city, in my opinion. Absolutely gorgeous. I could've spent another hour (or hew) here easily. If I lived here, I'd probably read in this garden everyday.
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Pavillon Populaire
@sarahpollock
I'm not sure if it's permanent, but there was an amazing photography exhibit when I was there. Worth checking out!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Pollock is a twenty-something-year-old traveler, creative, and spiritualist. She graduated with a degree in Business Information Systems (although she did not enjoy it) and a minor in Sustainability from the University of Florida. Since embarking on her first trip abroad to Australia and New Zealand at 15 years old, she has since visited 25 countries and counting- most of them solo. She is also an avid foodie, reader, concert-goer, sitter at coffee shops, introspective thinker, and champion of small businesses. She prides herself on her romantic and nostalgic approach to seeing the world, which is reflected in the hidden gem-filled and slightly sentimental tone of her writing and recommendations. She recently spent this past school year splitting time between Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva, Israel; teaching English to underrepresented and underprivileged children in both Hebrew and Arabic-speaking schools. She is currently continuing this work in Madrid. For more personal thoughts and musings and present updates on where she is in the world and how she’s feeling about it, consider subscribing to her bi-weekly travel newsletter, Postcards. Other subject matters, though all undoubtedly influenced by her experience living abroad, are explored through her primary publication, Older Sister (both linked in bio).
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