New Year’s Eve in Montpellier: Our Family Trip After Marseille
After our winter discoveries in Marseille and the surrounding area, Montpellier became our second stop while exploring Southern France as a family. And what a fantastic choice it was — we even celebrated New Year’s Eve there, and the atmosphere was vibrant, festive, and incredibly welcoming for families.
Montpellier instantly surprised us with its youthful energy, lively streets, and endless choice of shops and restaurants. It’s a dynamic student city, but at the same time very elegant, historical, and easy to explore with kids.
(If you haven’t yet, check our previous posts about Marseille and our golden hour visit to Martigues for the full itinerary inspiration.)
Why Visit Montpellier with Kids in Winter?
Montpellier is one of those rare cities that mixes history, culture, and modern city life in a very family-friendly way. Because it’s a major university city, it has a vibrant atmosphere year-round, but during the holidays it feels especially magical.
Even at the end of December, the streets were full of life:
- Bustling cafés and bakeries
- Stylish boutiques and local shops
- Beautiful squares decorated for the holidays
- Festive lights and cheerful energy everywhere
It felt lively but not overwhelming — perfect for a relaxed family city break.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Montpellier
We arrived on December 31st, just in time to soak up the festive atmosphere before the celebrations. The entire city center was buzzing with people enjoying the last day of the year.
Despite it being the busiest day, strolling through the historic streets with kids was still pleasant and safe. There was music, lights, and a cheerful crowd ready to welcome the new year.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Montpellier felt special because the city offers:
- A lively but relaxed vibe
- Plenty of restaurants for every taste
- Pedestrian-friendly historic streets
- A joyful, student-driven energy
It was festive without being chaotic — exactly what we love when traveling as a family.
Strolling Through the Old Town & Christmas Market
One of the highlights of our first day was walking through Montpellier’s Old Town (Écusson). Narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, and elegant buildings create a charming setting for wandering with kids.
Because we visited on December 31st, we were lucky: the Christmas market was still open! It added a magical touch to our evening stroll with cozy stalls, seasonal treats, and festive decorations that made the city feel even more special.
The blend of historic architecture and holiday lights created a truly memorable New Year’s Eve atmosphere.
A Student City Full of Shops & Restaurants
Montpellier is famous for being a university city, and you can really feel that youthful spirit everywhere. The presence of students gives the city a lively yet relaxed vibe, and it also means:
- A huge variety of restaurants
- Trendy cafés and bakeries
- Independent boutiques and shopping streets
- Affordable dining options (great for families)
It’s a place where you can easily mix sightseeing with shopping, dining, and relaxed café breaks.
Day 2: Parks, Culture & City Center Highlights
On our second day, we explored more of Montpellier beyond the festive evening atmosphere. The city revealed another side — calm, cultural, and full of green spaces.
Parks & Relaxed Family Walks
We spent time in one of the city parks, letting the kids run and relax after the busy holiday evening. Montpellier has several green spaces that are ideal for families traveling with children.
Faculty of Medicine & Historic Heritage
We also admired the historic buildings of the University of Montpellier, home to one of the oldest medical schools in Europe. Even from the outside, the architecture and history make this area worth visiting, especially for those who enjoy cultural landmarks.
Exploring the City Center
The central squares and main shopping streets were lively but not overcrowded, making it easy to explore with kids, grab snacks, and enjoy spontaneous stops at bakeries and cafés.
Evening Escape to Sète
In the evening, we continued our Southern France adventure with a short trip to Sète — a coastal town full of charm and canals. We will share all the details about that experience in a dedicated post, as it truly deserves its own spotlight.
Where We Stayed in Montpellier
We stayed at Hotel Belaroïa, right in the city center, which made exploring on foot incredibly easy. Since our hotel experience deserves a full review, we’ll cover all the details in a separate post dedicated to the stay, location advantages, and family-friendly aspects.
Final Thoughts: Is Montpellier Worth Visiting with Kids?
Absolutely yes. Montpellier is a perfect family destination in Southern France, especially in winter. Celebrating New Year’s Eve there gave us the chance to experience both festive charm and the authentic daily life of a vibrant student city.
It offers:
- Walkable historic streets
- Great restaurants and cafés
- Beautiful parks for kids
- Festive markets and seasonal events
- Easy access to nearby coastal towns
For families exploring Southern France after Marseille, Montpellier is a fantastic second stop that balances culture, relaxation, and festive fun.
For more inspiration, don’t miss our related articles:
- Marseille Winter Travel Guide: Old Port & Notre-Dame
- Family Stay at Campanile Saint-Antoine Marseille
- Golden Hour Evening Trip to Martigues with Kids
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Montpellier with Kids
Is Montpellier good to visit with kids?
Yes, Montpellier is a great family destination. The city is walkable, lively, and full of parks, restaurants, and cultural landmarks that make traveling with kids easy and enjoyable.
Is Montpellier a student city?
Yes, Montpellier is one of the main university cities in France. This gives it a vibrant atmosphere with many shops, cafés, and affordable dining options suitable for families.
Is Montpellier worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. Winter in Montpellier is mild, festive, and less crowded. Christmas markets, decorations, and seasonal events make it a charming time to explore the city.
What can you do in Montpellier in two days?
You can stroll through the Old Town, visit parks, explore the city center, see historic sites like the Faculty of Medicine, and even take short trips to nearby coastal towns like Sète.
Where to stay in Montpellier with family?
Staying in the city center is ideal for families, as it allows easy walking access to the Old Town, restaurants, shops, and main attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Montpellier with Kids
Is Montpellier good to visit with kids?
Yes, Montpellier is a great family destination. The city is walkable, lively, and full of parks, restaurants, and cultural landmarks that make traveling with kids easy and enjoyable.
Is Montpellier a student city?
Yes, Montpellier is one of the main university cities in France. This gives it a vibrant atmosphere with many shops, cafés, and affordable dining options suitable for families.
Is Montpellier worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. Winter in Montpellier is mild, festive, and less crowded. Christmas markets, decorations, and seasonal events make it a charming time to explore the city.
What can you do in Montpellier in two days?
You can stroll through the Old Town, visit parks, explore the city center, see historic sites like the Faculty of Medicine, and even take short trips to nearby coastal towns like Sète.
Where to stay in Montpellier with family?
Staying in the city center is ideal for families, as it allows easy walking access to the Old Town, restaurants, shops, and main attractions.
