Montpellier is a Wonderful City with Plenty to See
I’ve went to Montpellier many years ago with my young daughter. She was taking a French immersion class. I had great memories and wanted to revisit the city solo style. I flew into Nice and caught the train which was very easy to navigate. Tickets are reasonably priced. Once I arrived in Montpellier it was time to find my way to the city center. There are a couple ways to get from the airport to the center center. You can get a cab for about $40 or the bus for $1.60. Big difference. Of course you won’t know that unless you’ve done your research prior to landing.
Place de la Comedie
I arrived before my apartment was ready so I took my luggage to a hotel that used Bounce luggage storage service. Then I was off to explore the city center. The first thing you see when you are in the center is the The Place de la Comedie. It is the large social area in the center with loads of cafes and shops.
The Tram
Walking around the city was very easy but if you didn’t want to walk there was the tram than ran frequently and took me to all parts of the city or just up the hill if you needed.
Outdoor Market
There is a outdoor market on Tuesday-Friday that offered everything from fresh fruit to trousers! The prices were great and the experience alone was worth the browse. I spent about 2 hours admiring at all the cool things and ended up with buying a simple t-shirt for $5.
A Plethora of Dining Options
Once my apartment was ready I settled in and my next big decision was where to have dinner. There were so many choices! It didn’t matter where I ate, the food was wonderful. The next few days was all about exploring the different areas. I found quiet parks where I had a picnic and watched the locals play chess. For dining you can go either way on expense – posh restaurants, middle priced cafes or just get bread and local sausage. I did a little of each for the experience. I didn’t feel out of place at all. There were many dining alone and that was nice to see. I recommend you have a few French words in your pocket so that you can get a few things done. All of the menus are in French so you have to translate to know if you are getting Duck or Fish.
Montpellier is a college town so you will see a lot of young people. I enjoy watching the young people having a good time and there was plenty of that! The French know how to dine and make it a full evening experience. The food flows out of the kitchens and the people chatter and laugh for at least 2 hours. No one is in a hurry.
Montpellier: Fine-Living in the Cultural Gem
Discover Montpellier, the cultural gem of Southern France! This vibrant city offers a perfect blend of modernity and charm, making it an ideal retirement destination in Europe. Enjoy the booming economy, dynamic cultural scene, and attractive real estate market.
Montpellier’s prime location is truly unbeatable. With famous beach resorts nearby and easy access to Italy and Spain, residents can embark on exciting road trips. Plus, you’ll revel in the Mediterranean climate, basking in over seven hours of sunshine daily!
Indulge in the art of fine living embraced by the “bon vivants” of Southern France. Delight your taste buds with gourmet restaurants and colorful outdoor markets. And with year-round cultural events, you’ll experience the epitome of the good life—la belle vie—in France. Montpellier awaits your new adventure!
Retire in Montpellier, France
Retiring in Montpellier, France, offers a dynamic and multicultural experience. The city’s universities and cultural events create a lively atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for adult learners to improve their French language skills.
For retirees’ healthcare needs, Montpellier boasts a top-notch hospital network led by the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), providing high-quality medical services, including specialized care for geriatrics. Despite its size, Montpellier maintains a charming “small town” vibe, centered around Place de la Comédie, and offers excellent public transportation managed by TAM, making it easy to get around the city sustainably.
Retirees will also enjoy convenient travel options, with an international airport nearby offering direct flights to various European countries, the U.K., Morocco, and even the United States. Experience the perfect blend of culture, convenience, and charm in Montpellier for your retirement journey!
Lifestyle in Montpellier
Moving to Montpellier in Occitanie, Southern France means embracing an active, social lifestyle. Explore weekly open-air markets, chat with friendly neighbors, and indulge in delicious meals at charming cafes like Les Gourmands, La Reserve Rimbaud, and Pastis Restaurant. Montpellier’s diverse food choices rival those of Paris, with international dining options available too.
Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant arts scene, from the Mediterranean cinema festival (Cinémed) to tango and comedy festivals. Enjoy classical dance, book fairs, and theater productions in the historic district around Place de la Comédie. With eight theaters and two opera houses, there’s always something exciting happening.
When you need a break, take the beach shuttle (navette des plages) to the serene Mediterranean Sea. For sports enthusiasts, Montpellier boasts numerous competitive teams in soccer, rugby, American football, baseball, boxing, and volleyball. It’s a city that offers an ideal blend of culture, outdoor fun, and sports excitement.
Cost of Living in Montpellier, France
Montpellier, France, offers a similar cost of living to other French cities. Enjoy a delightful lunch at local bistros for around $20 per person, with various dining options available, from budget eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants.
The real estate market in Montpellier is thriving, making it an excellent investment opportunity. You can find rental apartments, starting at $1,180 for a furnished two-bedroom, one-bathroom space, and going up to $1,746 for apartments in gated buildings with pools.
Purchasing an apartment in Montpellier is a smart move, with modern two-bedroom apartments starting at $205,000. For a bit more budget, you can opt for a larger 915-square-foot apartment with a garden terrace for $295,000. Exploring nearby village communities, like Saussan, presents great home-buying options. A charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom home on two levels in Saussan is available for $260,000.
Montpellier’s well-maintained and affordable transportation system adds to its appeal. Whether you’re renting or buying, Montpellier offers a vibrant lifestyle with attractive investment potential.
