Montpellier is the prefecture of Hérault (34000) and has over 200,000 inhabitants. With its medieval center, lively squares, and nearby coastline, it’s easy to visit for a day from Camping Les Amandiers, located between Nîmes and Montpellier.
It’s one of the stops to plan during your vacation in Hérault.
A must-see on any visit. Nicknamed Place de l’Œuf (Egg Square) for its oval shape, it is one of the largest pedestrian areas in Europe. Here you can admire the Three Graces Fountain, the 19th-century architecture, and the diver statue at the Gaumont cinema. The atmosphere is particularly pleasant in the evening.
At the heart of the Écusson, the medieval historic center, Saint-Pierre Cathedral was originally the chapel of the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Benoît before becoming a cathedral in 1536.
Its porch is an imposing canopy supported by circular pillars 4.55 meters (14.9 feet) in diameter. A model of Southern Gothic architecture, it is the only medieval church in the Écusson to have survived the Wars of Religion. Inside, a work by Sébastien Bourdon testifies to Montpellier’s 17th-century artistic life.
This royal square, spanning over 4 hectares (10 acres), features an equestrian statue of Louis XIV created in 1774, as well as an 18th-century water tower. The triumphal arch and the aqueduct extending from the water tower are examples of classical architecture. It’s one of the favorite spots for Montpellier residents.
The nearby coastline offers several options: the beaches of Petit Travers and Grand Travers, between La Grande-Motte and Carnon, those of Palavas-les-Flots, the wilder Plage des Aresquiers in Frontignan, and Espiguette in Grau-du-Roi, the largest.
Montpellier offers plenty of activities for children: climbing, tree-top adventure parks, Planet Ocean Montpellier, and bowling. Shows, cinema, and workshops complete the offerings depending on the season.
For nature lovers, L’étang de l’Or can be explored via the Mauguio trail, which runs along its northern banks. It’s a Natura 2000 zone where ducks, coots, and moorhens breed along the reeds. Don’t forget your binoculars.
The Castries Aqueduct offers another beautiful walk: a hundred arches over 20 meters (65 feet) high, known as the Grands Arcs, stretching over 6 km (3.7 miles), which once supplied water to the Château de Castries. The surrounding pine forest is perfect for a picnic.
Further afield, the Cirque de Navacelles is less than 1.5 hours away. On the Gard side, Nîmes and the Pont du Gard are great additions to a stay.
The region is ideal for exploring vineyards. Several providers offer guided excursions with gourmet stops, estate visits, and wine tasting introductions.
The tours cover Pic Saint-Loup, Saint-Christol, organic wines, and Costières de Nîmes. Allow half a day, about 3.5 hours, for a full package including tasting several wines and local products like olive oil.
Camping Les Amandiers, in Gallargues-le-Montueux, is located between Nîmes and Montpellier, allowing you to visit both cities from a single base, in a quieter setting than the city center.
You’ll find mobile homes for 2 to 6 people, family models, and pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. The water park and activities will keep you busy during your days on-site.
Mobile Homes
One day allows you to see the Place de la Comédie, the Écusson and its medieval streets, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, and the Promenade du Peyrou with its triumphal arch. The city is easily explored on foot, and the squares’ terraces invite you to take a break.
The beaches of Petit Travers and Grand Travers, between La Grande-Motte and Carnon, are the closest. Palavas-les-Flots is also quickly accessible. Les Aresquiers, in Frontignan, offers a wilder setting, and Espiguette in Grau-du-Roi is the most extensive.
Yes. Several operators offer excursions to the vineyards of Pic Saint-Loup, Saint-Christol, or Costières de Nîmes. Half-day packages, about 3.5 hours, include visits to estates, a walk through the vineyards, and tasting several wines accompanied by local products.
Camping Les Amandiers, a 4-star campsite in Gallargues-le-Montueux, is located between Nîmes and Montpellier. It offers mobile homes for 2 to 6 people and pitches for tents and caravans, with a swimming pool, restaurant, and activities, all within a wooded park away from the urban hustle and bustle.
Montpellier
34000 Montpellier
