Montpellier, a charming city in the South of France, offers visitors a delightful combination of history, culture, and modern living. While most tourists tend to stay in the city center to be close to major attractions, my recent experience in Montpellier was spent in a quieter, more peaceful area outside the hustle and bustle. Staying in the suburbs of Montpellier provided me with the perfect balance between tranquility and accessibility. In this post, I’ll take you through my experience of staying in the suburbs, share details about the hotel I chose, and give you some practical tips on how to plan your stay.
1. Why Montpellier’s Suburbs?
Having visited Montpellier a few times before, I was already familiar with the city’s central attractions. On this trip, I wanted a different experience—something quieter, yet still convenient for exploring the main sights. The suburbs of Montpellier offer just that. You get to enjoy the serene atmosphere, with fewer crowds and more space to breathe, but you’re still close enough to the city to easily access everything it has to offer.
The area I stayed in was located just a short tram or bus ride from the city center, so it was easy to pop into the heart of Montpellier whenever I wanted. The suburbs are also surrounded by beautiful landscapes, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more laid-back, nature-filled environment.
2. Choosing the Hotel: Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole
After some research, I came across Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole, located in the suburban area of Montpellier, just a short 15-minute tram ride from the center. This hotel had everything I was looking for: comfort, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to the main attractions of Montpellier.
Hotel Location
Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole is located in a calm, residential neighborhood, making it a perfect place to retreat to after a long day of exploring the city. Its proximity to the tram station makes it very easy to get around. I was staying near the Place de l’Europe, and the tram ride to the historic center, including the Place de la Comédie, was incredibly straightforward.
The hotel is a hidden gem, tucked away in a lush, green area surrounded by trees and local shops. The neighborhood felt safe and welcoming, and it had a relaxed, almost village-like vibe, far removed from the chaos of the city center.
Hotel Features
The hotel itself is modern, stylish, and well-equipped. The building has a distinct 19th-century charm, but the interiors have been renovated to provide contemporary comfort. The rooms were spacious, tastefully decorated, and well-lit, which made it the perfect environment to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
What I particularly loved about this hotel was its peaceful ambiance. While it’s just a short ride from the heart of Montpellier, the hotel felt like a tranquil oasis. The garden outside, complete with a small pool, was perfect for enjoying a coffee or reading a book in the morning.
One of the highlights of my stay was the hotel’s on-site restaurant, which offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The food was delightful, and having the option to dine in without venturing into the city center was a huge convenience after a long day of sightseeing.
Cost and Booking Details
I booked my stay at Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole via the Accor Hotels website. The booking process was smooth and easy to navigate. I stayed for a total of 5 nights in a superior room, which cost me around €115 per night including breakfast. For the level of comfort, convenience, and quality of service, I found the price to be quite reasonable. The rate might vary depending on the season, but I felt it offered great value for money, especially considering its proximity to both the city and nature.
I also recommend checking other platforms like Booking.com and Expedia for any special deals or discounts, as I saw varying prices across different booking sites. However, booking directly on the hotel’s website allowed me to take advantage of a breakfast package, which was a nice perk.
3. Exploring Montpellier from the Suburbs
The beauty of staying in the suburbs is that you can enjoy the best of both worlds—peace and quiet, with the added benefit of being close to Montpellier’s top attractions. With the excellent public transportation system in the city, getting around is never a hassle.
During my stay, I made several trips to the city center. The tram station was just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, and the journey to the Place de la Comédie was a smooth 15-minute ride. The Place de la Comédie is a bustling square surrounded by beautiful architecture, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and I spent a few afternoons wandering through the area, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
One of the main highlights of Montpellier for me was the Promenade du Peyrou, a beautiful park with panoramic views of the city. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk, and the Peyrou Water Tower offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
For those who enjoy history, the Musée Fabre is an excellent art museum located in the heart of the city. The museum has an impressive collection of European art from the 14th century to the present, and it was one of the places I most enjoyed during my visit.
4. Day Trips and Surrounding Nature
Staying in the suburbs also gave me easy access to some of the beautiful nature spots around Montpellier. Just outside the city, you can find parks, lakes, and vineyards—perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities or simply want to unwind in a natural setting.
One afternoon, I took a short drive to the Pic Saint-Loup, a mountain located to the north of Montpellier. The area is popular for hiking, and the views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. It was a nice break from the urban environment, and I thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet.
If you’re into wine, Montpellier is located in the heart of the Languedoc wine region. A day trip to a nearby vineyard was a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy some wine tasting.
5. Final Thoughts: A Peaceful, Accessible Stay
Staying in the suburbs of Montpellier turned out to be one of the best decisions I made during my trip. The Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole offered the perfect blend of tranquility, comfort, and convenience, and the suburban neighborhood made it easy to escape the hustle and bustle while still being close to all that Montpellier has to offer.
The combination of peaceful surroundings, beautiful parks, and easy access to the vibrant city center made this experience unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a longer stay, Montpellier’s suburbs offer a refreshing alternative to the city’s busy center.
