Montpellier just loves to party all year round. During the second weekend of November the city sparkles with dozens of illuminations and light shows for the 'Coeur de Ville en Lumières’ festival. Very similar to the famous Fête des Lumières every December in Lyon, the difference is the absence of crazy crowds. This is a much more laid back experience.
Christmas is celebrated with decorations and a Christmas market which attracts around 100 chalets. Although you are unlikely to see any real snow, shopping for presents in relatively warm weather has its charms. Highlights include a letterbox for Santa, photos with Santa, creative workshops, parades, and a large Christmas tree on the Place de la Comédie.
The international Montpellier Tennis Open (Open Occitanie) from February 1st to 8th, 2026, is expected to draw crowds of around 10,000 sports fans.
May is a bumper month. La Comédie du Livre runs for 10 days with literary and cultural events in venues all over the city, with the emphasis on the meeting points of literature with music, dance, cinema, and video games. Offers include musical readings, illustrated concerts, a translation workshop, philosophy teas, a literary ball, and story time siestas for adults and children.
The incredibly popular FISE (Festival International des Sports Extrêmes) in May/early June is the largest festival of urban sports in the world. Riders from all over the world will be there to display their skills in disciplines including BMX Freestyle Park, Flatland and Street, Skateboard, Roller Freestyle, Scooter Freestyle, Parkour and Break Dancing.
As well as competitions and displays, there will be opportunities for the public to have a go. A food court, a chill-out zone and DJ evenings add to the fun.
Also in May/June the Printemps des Comédiens festival includes around 40 live entertainments, making it France's second largest performance festival after Avignon. Music, dance, theatre, arts, and circus mix and make magic. As well as known names the festival highlights emerging talents.
In June, the Festival des Architectures Vives shows off the city's 'hôtels particuliers' (privately owned mansions) with a series of temporary installations in their courtyards. And of course there will be Pride.
July sees the return of the massive international Montpellier Danse festival of contemporary dance. This attracts troupes and choreographers from all over the world, who will stage 125 performances (half of which will be free entrance) in 34 different venues across Montpellier and neighbouring communes. Lasting 24 days, the festival also offers documentaries on the history of dance, open-air dance lessons and talks about the performances.
Festival Radio France Montpellier Occitanie boasts a full programme of classical musicMarc Ginot
Also in July, the Festival Radio France Montpellier Occitanie offers a full programme of classical music. Musicians from all over the world will take part in around 90 events and performances. And if classical music is not your thing, Le Swinging Montpellier over the third weekend of July offers concerts, dances, and teaching sessions, 80% of which are free, including Lindy Hop, Jazz Roots and Charleston.
Advertisment
Celebrate Arab culture at the Arabesques FestivalOT3M
September welcomes the Arabesques festival celebrating Arab culture including dance, cinema showings, literary talks and conferences, and exhibitions will be on offer. Later in the month, and running into October, Les Internationales de la Guitare gathers guitarists from all over the world. There will be concerts of all musical styles, from flamenco, jazz and classical to rock.
At the end of October, Cinémed: le Festival du Cinéma Méditerranéen offers more than 200 film screenings of full-length features, shorts, documentaries, animations, plus special events, themed evenings, talks, events for children, and exhibitions.
Hit the beach!
From Montpellier, you can get to the beach in no time. The question is, which one? It very much depends what you are looking for, be it wild dunes, or laid-back beach bars. You can also find ice-creams and jokey t-shirts, or full
There is a beach for all tastes just a short distance away from Montpellier city centreMontpellier Tourist Office
-on nature. The best bet is to get full information from the Tourist Office just off the Place de la Comédie. Roughly, however, Carnon has a cute marina and the Petit Travers beach, backed by dunes and woods. It is popular with kite-surfing fans.
Palavas is larger and more commercial, with lots of restaurants and chip-shacks, and Villeneuve-les-Maguelone is completely undeveloped and given over to nature. There are also some private beaches, offering sophisticated cocktails and luxury loungers.
As well as helping you choose the best beach for you, the Tourist Office can also explain how to get there. The nearest beach is only 11kms away, however, so it's always going to be easy.
