Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
A medieval metropolis of love, food, art, style, and shopping where queer people are embraced as a natural part of society, it’s no wonder Gay Montpellier is one of the most up-and-coming LGBT travel destinations.
Oh, and did we mention the long balmy summers and Medeitteran coastline right at your fingertips? By day there are plenty of sexy French boys and girls picnicking in tranquil parks, wandering stately boulevards or lazing in the iconic bistros of gay Montpellier, but sundown is when this sleepy town really comes alive.
Despite the recent closure of some high-profile gay venues in Montpellier, there is still plenty to discover in what is frequently referred to as the second gay city in France after Paris…
A traditionally liberal country that legalized same-sex activity in 1791 during the French Revolution and gay marriage in 2013, France is frequently named one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world.
Gay travelers should not take any extra precautions in Montpellier than they would in any other major Western European city, especially in the center of Montpellier area where most queer nightlife is located.
As a result of such accepting attitudes, Gay Montpellier offers a long and well-established LGBT presence with plenty of gay beaches, bars, saunas, and organizations – as well as one of the most popular Gay Prides in France held annually in July.
Even excluding the gorgeous beaches and world-class museums, the street art, iconic architecture, fine dining and utterly intoxicating atmosphere of Montpellier will give tourists more than enough reason to visit Gay Montpellier – whether it’s for a night, a week, or live full-time!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Montpellier
Obviously, being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see in each city, and most queer tourists will simply want to check out the top things to see in Montpellier during the day! Montpellier is a very safe city, but still, all travelers should take caution with valuables.
Gay travelers in Montpellier need not take any extra precautions in terms of public displays of affection and should have no issues exploring this magical city’s beauty! Here are just a few of our favorite gay things to do in Montpellier!
Top Highlights of Montpellier
The grand central square of Montpellier is at the center of everything. You couldn’t miss this magnificent oval space if you tried. A perfect place to grab a coffee and people-watch on a sunny day.
One of the most popular museums in Montpellier was started by local painter François-Xavier Fabre in 1825. The extensive collection on display includes ceramics from across Europe and paintings from the 17th – 19th centuries.
Cutting-edge photography exhibits a host of international and French artists.
The oh-so-photogenic 18th-century, bi-level aqueduct built in 1776 now supplies all the fountains in Montpellier.
Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier
A historical botanical garden that is over 400 years old. Simple and elegant with an arboretum, orangery and over 2000 outdoor species.
Atone for any sins at this soaring cathedral with 12 chapels, historic artwork, and stained glass masterpieces. A landmark of Montpellier, and it’s easy to see why.
Another church, this time in the gothic style, has undergone extensive renovation, and it’s more a cavernous space for modern and contemporary art exhibits. Very cool!
A famous old-world mansion complete with extensive gardens and a priceless collection of Flemish tapestries.
A sleek modern art museum with a bustling restaurant, a funky permeant collection, and exciting exhibitions.
Day Trips From Montpellier
Discover the best of French wines around Pic Saint-Loup in this escape from the city. Grapes to Glass, sample various wines and learn all about the wine-making process while admiring the rolling vineyards and utterly intoxicating views.
Explore the classic tastes of Montpellier, including croissants and éclairs to cheese, baguettes, and wine. A culinary tour of Montpellier’s historic neighborhood is best done with a knowledgeable local, though nothing is stopping you from making your own!
Hire a car and explore the medieval towers, fortifications, and ramparts of Aigues-Mortes. Stunning views and opportunities to up your Instagram game abound!
Take a peek at the well-known arts and culture scene on this wonderful tour of private viewings, where seven artisans throw open their workshop doors to you, including watercolorists, sculptors, and jewelers.
Not a fan of wine? Sacre bleu! Well, at least visit the authentic vermouth cellars of Noilly Prat and let their enthusiastic guides reveal the secrets of French vermouth production.
Explore hidden coves and secret caves along the coast of Sète. Offering tandem kayaks, this romantic day trip shows you some of the best beaches, scenic lookouts, and nature on the French Mediterranean.
Gay Things To Do In Montpellier
A local LGBT association organized frequent walks in the countryside. We love seeing LGBT life outside of clubs and hookup apps and think this is a fantastic way to connect with gay locals. Their website is always up-to-date with the next hikes.
Not to be missed, this gay restaurant in Montpellier is inspired by the tightly-clad superheroes and their revealing outfits. Fabulous meals and a very popular Sunday brunch.
Gay popular concept restaurant with chic design, original recipes, and very instagrammable food.
Boxer shop
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A favorite new gay shop in Montpellier for bears and leather daddies to get all the latest toys.
Exclusive Men Underwear
Another gay shop in Montpellier for all boys who need to up their branded underwear game. All the hottest brands are conveniently located close to the Gaumont Comédie cinema.
Montpellier Pride
One of the most vibrant gay pride in France. This week-long party celebrates the role of the LGBT community in making Montpellier what it is today, and is entirely worth planning a trip around. Held annually in July, the highlights are the massive street festival, a vibrant parade, and all the club parties – but there are plenty of other cultural events too!
Today it is mostly about celebrating everything queer and fabulous, but of course, still much needs to be done to achieve total equality, and there is a strong focus on the political roots of Montpellier Pride. The Pride Parade starts from the Place Royale du Peyrou, goes via la Place de la Comédie and finishes on le Parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville.
Gay Beaches Near Montpellier
The most famous gay beach of Montpellier with a long, narrow strip of sand backed by dunes. Let the sun tan you all over in front of the dunes and head behind them for some discreet fun.
A nudist/gay beach in Montpellier just after Palavas Beach. (around 10 kilometers from the city center).
Another famous gay beach near Montpellier with separate areas for nudists, gays, and families…Though the boundaries are often blurred. Easy to meet others here in summer with beautiful bathing waters and extensive sand dunes.
Beach Aresquiers @ Vic-la-Gardiolle
A beautiful and isolated sport with a seashell-covered sandy beach. Protected from construction, this wild landscape is a space for freedom and is very popular with gay men and nudists. The long walk is worth it to experience tranquility, nature, paradise and maybe some discreet cruising.
A naturist/nudist resort town where nudity is mandatory. Strict rules are in place to keep this a family-friendly naturist resort – but there are plenty of sex shops, swinger clubs and gay men around.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Montpellier
Being one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, almost every hotel and hostel in Montpellier can be considered open and welcome to LGBT travelers. After all, being gay-friendly is about simply providing a non-judgmental and respectful environment in which all people are treated equally.
Elegant design, helpful staff, and excellent value for money never hurt anyone, though! Some hotels in Montpellier have gone above and beyond in recognizing and marketing to the LGBT community, and given their popularity with gay travelers; we would say it has paid off!
There are quite a few popular hotels in Montpellier that are go-to hot spots for gay travelers…and really, doesn’t everyone like to be surrounded by people with common interests! These are the hotels we have checked out and included here.
While there is one exclusively gay hotel in Montpellier, any hotel in the historic center of Montpellier is sure to have more than a few gay guests staying – plus, being a stumble home from all the gay bars is pretty desirable!
There are hundreds of other good hotel options in Montpellier if you don’t find what you are looking for, but we are confident you’ll find something here for you whether you want a luxurious spa, a cheap place to crash after a night of partying or a chic designer option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people – Gay Montpellier as something for everyone!
Luxury Hotels in Montpellier
Gay-owned designer accommodation in the heart of Montpellier. Set in a cute 1930s house, this upscale B&B offers a contemporary and welcoming space with friendly staff and beautiful boutique rooms.
Exceptional reviews from previous guests of the design, owner Pierre and fabulous breakfast lead us to recommend this as the best gay hotel in Montpellier (even though it’s not exclusively gay).
Domaine de Verchant Relais & Châteaux ☆☆☆☆
A positive departure from the usual formula in hotel accommodation, this 200-year-old mansion emits a warm and friendly vibe which we are sure you will love.
Located in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of town, this luxurious property fuses hi-tech with elegant design seamlessly. Highlights are the world-class spa, white-washed outdoor swimming pool and wine cellar with more than 10 000 bottles…
Housed in a charming Haussmann-style building, this luxurious property in the heart of the old town if gay-popular in large part due to its location and colorful rooms with art deco accents. Recently refurbished with a warm, cozy vibe and attentive staff.
Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole ☆☆☆☆
A refined hotel that recently re-opened its doors after a mammoth renovation project. Full of old-world sophistication, we loved the high ceilings, parquet flooring, swimming pool, prestigious salon and cozy English bar.
Pullman Montpellier Centre ☆☆☆☆
A contemporary international hotel is upscale rooms, a trendy rooftop pool, and stunning city views. Even if you don’t stay, you should stop by for a drink and admire the gorgeous men sitting poolside.
Vichy Thermalia Spa Hotel Montpellier ☆☆☆☆
A twenty-minute drive out of Montpellier but the place to stay if you’re more interested in relaxing in style than dancing the night away. This designer spa hotel offers an indoor and outdoor pool, contemporary rooms, a hammam, saunas and a world-class spa with 27 treatment rooms. There is even a fabulous acclaimed restaurant on-site, so really, there is no need even to explore Gay Montpellier.
A gay-only resort and spa 45 minutes out of town offering overnight accommodation and day passes. If your coming from this direction or hiring a car, it might be worth stopping in for its clothing-optional relaxed atmosphere, male massages, and sweet pool.
Cute owners, social atmosphere, and delicious food make the Villa Ragazzi gay resort in France a favorite place to spend a few nights, though sadly, it’s just a little too far away for us to recommend as the best gay hotel in Montpellier.
Mid-range / Budget Hotels in Montpellier
Villa Catouna ☆☆☆
A 1920s villa with 5 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms open only in July and August. An exclusively gay hotel in Montpellier, this is a fun B&B run by charming Patrick and Jean. Beautiful pool, house, and location that is close to everything in LGBT Montpellier. Add in being surrounded by gay men, and what more could you ask for, really?
Apartments Azema ☆☆☆
Affordable and spacious apartments just out of the city center (meaning you can still park easily if needed). Twenty minutes walk to most of the Montpellier gay scene. Quiet location, basic but clean apartments with dining table, laundry, kitchenette and sitting room. If you want to host or enjoy your privacy, this is the perfect place to stay.
Beautiful gay-friendly accommodation which has a loyal following in the LGBT community. A privileged location in the heart of the city with a beautiful glass-roofed veranda and cozy lounge for relaxing and meeting other guests. They should be able to help organize a gay boat tour to Espiguette Beach during peak season with Philippe or Thierry.
Basic guest house with cheap rooms, daily breakfast offer, and friendly service. Villa Cemaste will not be winning any design awards, but it has a nice outdoor pool, a location close to the train station and car parking if your driving in France. An oasis of calm with a welcoming host.
ibis Montpellier Centre Comedie ☆☆☆
An international hotel specializing in budget rooms at the best price. This location is closest to the gay scene and perfect for LGBT travelers who want simple rooms with no surprises. When we checked, it was also the cheapest room in Montpellier without terrible reviews, as there are not any real hostels here.
Gay Nightlife in Montpellier
Montpellier is one of our favorite under-the-radar gay destinations in Europe – in part due to comparatively low prices, vibrant gay nightlife scene and all those smoking hot French boys (and girls!). Compared to LGBT Paris, we found the Montpellier gay nightlife scene to be more relaxed with less attitude.
There was an excellent, yet not overwhelming, selection of gay bars and clubs to choose from, which always kept things interesting. Most bars and clubs often don’t kick off till late here, but there are plenty of cute cocktail spots and wine cellars to relax in until then.
New bars and club events are taking place consistently here, so it pays to ask around when you arrive (hotel staff is often a good bet), but the historic Old Town plays host to most gay bars here. Things can get crazy – but just go with it! You can also use our Gay Montpellier Map at the end if you’re lost…
Gay Bars and Clubs In Montpellier
A typical French cafe is popular with the Montpellier community as a gathering spot before a night out. The outdoor terrace tables are the place for people to watch and meet new friends. Sip wine, be your own fabulous self and see where the night takes you.
A newly opened gay bar on the edge of town. Spacious with a cool industrial theme, known for hosting the Montpellier off-shoot of the Paris Beardop parties.
Le Cubix Bar
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Popular dance club, which is very LGBT-friendly. Home to any international circuit parties, delicious cocktails, and small tapas. Music is generally a mix of house and electro.
The only remaining gay club in Montpellier with deep house and tech music. Open till 6 am every day of the week. If you are planning on a night out in gay Montpellier, it is almost certain you will end up here at some point. An eclectic clientele who all just want to enjoy the friendly and festive atmosphere, with many students and young guys. Frequent events are updated on their Facebook page.
A uber-fun and trendy gay bar for men of all ages with a party that often spills out onto the adjacent alley. Frequent events are listed on their Facebook page, including the ever-popular karaoke night. Sexy bartenders, clientele and the occasional drag queen host. This is our favorite gay bar in Montpellier, and we are pretty sure it will be yours too!
Gay-Friendly Bars In Montpellier
A gay-friendly upscale bar to get your cocktail and groove on. Frequently crowded, we love its funky decor, delicious cocktails and bartenders who actually know what they are doing!
It is an LGBT favorite cocktail bar with Happy Hour specials, great food, stylish design and an enjoyable ambiance. Mostly standing room only later in the night, but if you are going in the late afternoon, their outdoor seating and cocktails are divine.
Wine Note Bar
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Enjoy the best pop French wine in this beautiful old stone building with fabulous food, an open fire, and a homely atmosphere.
The most popular bar/club for Montpellier’s young and trendy crowd. We loved the industrial chic vibes, quirky design and innovative cocktails.
Cruising & Gay Saunas in Montpellier
Had enough of gay cruising in Montpellier – either in the bars or elsewhere? For those who want a bit more guaranteed action, the gay saunas in Montpellier will not disappoint you (unlikely all those faceless accounts on Grindr or the other hookup apps…).
Foreigners are typically welcoming throughout the Montpellier gay scene, but many guys don’t speak English in the saunas here, so you’ll need to be good at reading non-verbal cues.
There are three gay saunas to choose from, and each is just outside the historic center, so easily accessible. The gay saunas in Montpellier mostly get crowded on weeknights after 5 pm and on Sunday afternoons. We also found Google Maps helpful for displaying the busiest times for most locations.
A three-level sauna in the center of Montpellier with two Hamam, a dry sauna, cruising floor, cabins, sling and XXX porn rooms. There is even a free entire for 22 years and younger! Closes early at 8.30 pm, but One sauna is busiest after work anyway.
The original and most popular gay sauna in Montpellier for gay and bisexual men. Clean, open late until 2 am, frequent theme nights and dark, hard and funky decor. All the expected amenities include a jacuzzi, glory hole, steam and dry sauna, private cabins, hammam and some of the best male massages in Montpellier.
Sauna Le 36
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A bit grungy, but the biggest gay sauna in Montpellier. Most popular on Thursday for naked nights, but even then, it’s very hit-and-miss for cruising action. Enjoy their hammam, dry sauna, steam room, industrial cruise area and jacuzzi (even if it is a bit too cold!).
A sex-on-site sauna open to everyone: bi, straight, gay and trans. This sauna is about tolerance and has many theme nights, including trans parties and nude karaoke.
Le Chantier Cruise Club
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
If cruising in Montpellier is more your style, check out this popular cruise / gay sex club, though the results may vary. Centrally located on a quiet side street, you can find private cabins, porn films, and black rooms. There is a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks but let’s not kid ourselves. We are not here for a conversation or a social drink…
Gay Map Of Montpellier
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Montpellier? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!