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Day trips by public transportation from Montpellier?

Hi all: Hoping to get some suggestions for great day trips accessible by public transportation from Montpellier. I've got lots of time (here for 6 weeks) and want to see as much as possible of the surrounding area, without springing for a lot of overnight stays or car rentals. Today I went to Aigue-Mortes...fabulous. I know I can easily reach Nimes, Arles and Sete by train, and I'm hoping for some more suggestions, perhaps by bus? I don't mind spending an hour or two on the bus each way...I get to see the countryside, read and relax while en route. Just so long as there's a bus back at the end of the day and enough time in between to make it worthwhile.

And, if you were to pick one or two places for an overnight, what would they be? Carcassonne? Avignon? Something else? I'm mostly into history, architecture, scenery and charm.

Thanks!

Posted by
7129 posts

We enjoyed our time in Avignon - stayed at the old city center area. From there, we took a bus to Pont du Gard, a mini-van tour of the Luberon area/lavender fields, and a day-trip by train to Nime. We could have spent more time in Nime.

Our overnight in Carcassonne was our least exciting location of our overall trip, but if you're in the area for 6 weeks, you should still see it.

Posted by
3387 posts

Take the train to Agde, rent a bike, and ride along the towpaths along the Canal du Midi - gorgeous!! You can walk to the bike rental place which is just across the river from the station...the Canal du Midi is just behind the station. Thau Bike 34 is the name of the rental place.
Another place we love in the area is the city of Narbonne - it's very nice, not uber-touristy and the cathedral in the town is very interesting. It was only partially completed but the part that is finished is massive and beautiful - can't imagine what it must have looked like if it had been done.
Beziers also has a very nice cathedral on a rise overlooking the river.
If you want to spring for a car for the day you can go to the beautiful village of Pezenas and wander the small, winding streets in the center of town. There are vineyards all throughout the area with beautiful wineries...my favorite is the Abbaye de Valmagne. An old abbey that's been converted to a winery - they keep the giant casks in the side chapels of the old church. It's about as charming as it gets!

Posted by
4684 posts

Palavas les Flots is where Montpellier residents go to get some seaside time in. Nothing special but good for people-watching.