When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Montpellier?
The peak holiday season in Montpellier is July and August, when you can bake on the sunny, sandy beaches, and the city centre is abuzz with weekly wine tastings, live music and night markets. In spring, from March to June, you can still expect warm temperatures and it’s likely to be easier to find cheap flights to Montpellier as it is considered the shoulder season.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Montpellier?
It’s best to book return flights to Montpellier at least two months in advance to find the best prices. With Netflights.com, you can compare prices and routes, including direct flights and stopping services, to save money on your holiday. It’s worth checking regularly for airline promotions and offers on last-minute flights, especially during peak season when more airlines operate direct flights to Montpellier. If you travel in the summer, the Radio France Music Festival takes place in July and Les Estivales de Montpellier (an open-air night market) runs in July and August.
Flying to Montpellier Airport MPL
Montpellier Airport (MPL) is the main airport serving Montpellier and the surrounding region. It operates domestic and international Montpellier flights to more than 30 destinations. MPL is located six kilometres from Montpellier city centre. Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines all offer flights to Montpellier from London airports, including London Heathrow Airport and London City Airport. They involve stopovers along the way, usually in a major city such as Paris or Amsterdam. You can also book return flights to Montpellier Airport from other UK airports, including Bristol Airport, Birmingham Airport, Southampton Airport, Glasgow International Airport and Manchester Airport. The journey may involve using a different airline for the outward and return flights.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Montpellier Airport is a single-terminal airport. The ground floor is home to check in, the boarding gates for departures and the arrivals hall, with four baggage claim conveyors. In the main arrivals hall, you will find a shop, snack bar, currency exchange services and an information desk. Montpellier Airport also offers a range of useful facilities and services for travellers, including baby changing facilities, free Wi-Fi, a post-box and cash machines. The upper level of the airport has a duty-free shop, terrace and a bar for departures.
Getting to the City from Montpellier Airport MPL
It’s easy to get to Montpellier city centre from Montpellier Airport. You can take the Airport The line 120 shuttle bus, provided by Hérault Transport, departs from the bus stop outside the airport terminal, beside the car park. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the city centre with buses running every hour every day except Fridays, when they increase to every 30 minutes. The tramway line one connects MLP with the Place de l’Europe tram station in the city. You can also find taxis at the rank outside the airport, or book one at the information desk in the arrivals hall. Car hire agencies are available in the P1 car park across the road from the airport terminal.
Why Visit Montpellier?
Montpellier’s graceful, classical architecture, atmospheric old town and proximity to sandy Mediterranean beaches make it a popular holiday destination for British travellers. Explore the city’s history at the grand Musée Fabre, home to a world-class European art collection, or take a guided tour of one of Montpellier’s many impressive private mansions, which were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Then wander the old town’s narrow streets, where you’ll find small cafes, antique shops and the Carré Sainte Anne contemporary art gallery.
Montpellier isn’t far from the coast, making the beaches of Palavas or Espiguette easily accessible by a bus or bike to spend a day by the sea. The zoo in the north of the city is also a great spot to visit, with or without kids. At the end of the day, head to Place de la Comédie in the heart of Montpellier for an evening aperitif.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to any country in the EU – you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You just need to make sure that your passport has at least six months validity left, on the day you travel. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you should contact the French Embassy for more information and advice. The local currency is the euro. It is a good idea to exchange some money in advance to save time when you arrive, especially if you plan to use public transport or take a taxi to get to the city centre. Alternatively, you’ll find cash machines and bureaus de change in the arrivals hall at MPL.
