If you are trying to decide between Marseille or Montpellier, you have a difficult choice ahead of you. Both cities have extremely rich histories and excellent architecture. Here is the ultimate guide to help you decide between Marseille or Montpellier.
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Marseille or Montpellier Overview
Marseille
Marseille is the 2nd largest city in France with 870,000 residents. The Port of Marseille is the largest port in the country and one of the largest in the EU. The city has been an important port and trading city for centuries with both Roman and Greek histories dating back to 600 BC. With a beautiful setting and nice climate, it has become one of the most popular destinations for French holidays. Between the Arabic-European architecture, the beaches, and the landscape, Marseille has no shortage of things to see and do.
Montpellier
Montpellier is the 8th largest city in France with nearly 300,000 residents living here. The city is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, the University of Montpellier, which was founded in 1292. To this day, Montpellier is known as being a major university student with 1/3 of its residents being students. It is full of boulevards, attractive plazas, and beautiful architecture throughout the city. The 1,000-year-old city center is full of history and narrow pedestrian paths.
Places to See
Marseille
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde sits on a hill overlooking the city. It is the city’s most popular landmark.
Château d’If is an island fortress in the sea about 1.5km for Marseille.
Located to the south of Marseille, Calanques is an area of steep-walled limestone cliffs overlooking narrow stretches of water below.
Palais Longchamp is a monument in Marseille that is surrounded by Longchamp Park.
Cathedrae La Major is a Catholic cathedral known for its Romanesque and Byzantine Revival styles of architecture.
Montpellier
Place de la Comédie is Montpellier’s central square. It is one of the largest pedestrian areas in all of Europe.
Montpellier Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral that was opened in 1536.
Montpellier Aqueduct was constructed in 1766 to provide water to the city’s many fountains. image
Port du Peyrou is the triumphal arch of Montpellier. It was constructed in 1693. image
Promenade du Peyrou is a paved city square with brilliant views of the city.
Food
Being an ancient port city, Marseille heritage full of seafood. The most famous dish in Marseille is Bouillabaisse which is a fish stew consisting of multiple different types of fish, potatoes, vegetables, and broths. It is known as being an old-fashion dish to the locals of Marseille but it is definitely worth trying if you are in Marseille. Although pizza didn’t make it Marseille until the Napoleonic era, it has become one of the best foods in the city.
First and foremost, Montpellier is known for its local wines being so close to the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Be sure to try some local wine when you are here. Clapassade is a dish that originated in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. It is a dish of lamb, honey, olives, and star anise slow-cooked and typically served with white wine. There many luxury restaurants here but with an abundance of students, you can rest assured that there are many budget-friendly options as well.
Getting Around
Marseille
Marseille has a network of buses, trams, and the metro. If you plan on using the buses, you have to expect them to run late. You can check the RTM app on your phone to get real-time updates on the arriving buses. If you want to get to the beach you could use the city bike-sharing system or you could take the 83 bus. Walking around the port is a must when you are in Marseille.
Montpellier
Montpellier is an excellent city to explore on foot because the historic city center doesn’t allow any cars. With narrow streets winding throughout the center of the city, you can just wander around and explore the beauty of Montpellier. If you want to travel outside of the city center you can travel by bus, tram, or metro. All you have to do is get a TaM pass before getting on any mode of public transportation.
Nightlife
Marseille
Marseille is known for having an abundance of bars featuring live music. The best area in Marseille to find nightlife is in the area surrounding the Vieux Port. TrolleyBus is one of the most unique bars/clubs in the city. One Again Club is also a great choice if you want to experience the club scene in Marseille. The area around Cours Julien also offers a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes.
Montpellier
With a large population of university students, you can expect a thriving nightlife in Montpellier. Most of the best nightlife can be found in the city center around the Place Jean Jaurés. One of the biggest nightclubs in the city is Infinity SuperClub but beware because the prices here are quite high. I would recommend sticking to the historic city center so you can go bar hopping with ease.
Day Trips
Marseille
Nimes is a city to the northeast of Marseille. It was an important Roman outpost and still has Roman ruins scattered throughout the city.
Calanques National Park is an area with limestone cliffs overlooking narrow inlets of water.
Cassis is a small seaside city to the west of Marseille.
Montpellier
Le Grau-du-Roi is a beach resort town to the southeast of Montpellier. If you want a day on the beach this would be a great place to visit.
Nimes is only a short train ride away from Montpellier. It is known for its old Roman ruins.
Sete is a smaller port city to the southwest of Montpellier.
Overall
Both cities have rich cultures and excellent architecture. Marseille, being a major port city will have more of a coastal vibe than Montpellier even though Montpellier is only 10km from the sea. Montpellier is full of university students so might be a better choice if you are into the nightlife scene. Overall, you should try to see both cities if at all possible.
