April 2025

Montpellier: Sunshine, Students & Street Vibes

We loved our time in Montpellier! The train drops you right into the city center, and from there it’s easy to explore—thanks to great tram lines and super walkable streets. The weather was a dream after chilly, windy days in Carcassonne. We heard the city gets 300 days of sunshine a year, which explains the palm trees and all the bustling outdoor cafés.

Montpellier is full of energy, with a big student population and a strong sense of activism. We caught a “free party” demo with trucks blasting techno and crowds dancing in the streets. That same day, we also saw a small anti-Trump rally, mirroring global protests.

We visited the lovely Jardin des Plantes, the oldest botanical garden in France, and took a scenic walk around the Arc de Triomphe and Promenade du Peyrou. Between the sunshine, history, and vibrant street life, Montpellier really charmed us—so glad we added it to our journey!