Montpellier is a shopping paradise filled with a mix of modern shopping centers, charming local boutiques, and lively traditional markets. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, handcrafted souvenirs, or delicious gourmet specialties, this city has something for every type of shopper.
During my time in Montpellier, I made it a point to explore as many shopping destinations as possible. From high-street brands in modern malls to artisan markets bursting with character, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you discover the best places to shop in the city.
Let’s dive in and explore the best shopping streets, malls, and traditional markets in Montpellier, complete with my personal experiences, shopping tips, and recommendations.
Modern Shopping Centers in Montpellier
If you love shopping in a comfortable and convenient setting, Montpellier’s modern shopping centers are the best places to visit. They are home to international brands, department stores, dining options, and entertainment venues, making them perfect for a full day of shopping and relaxation.
1. Polygone Montpellier – The Ultimate Shopping Experience
📍 Location: 1 Rue des Pertuisanes, 34000 Montpellier
🚇 How to Get There: Take Tram Line 1, 2, or 3 to Antigone stop
🛍 What You’ll Find: High-street brands, department stores, home decor, electronics
⭐ My Favorite Stores: Galeries Lafayette, Zara, Fnac, Sephora, Mango
💰 Best Deals: Huge discounts during January and July seasonal sales
Polygone Montpellier is one of the largest shopping centers in the region, and one of the first places I visited when I arrived in Montpellier. It features over 100 stores, ranging from high-street fashion to luxury designer brands.
As soon as I entered, I was immediately drawn to Galeries Lafayette, the famous French department store. This multi-floor shopping paradise offers everything from high-end fashion to gourmet French delicacies. I couldn’t resist picking up a chic Parisian-style coat and a bottle of French perfume.
Another highlight of Polygone was Sephora, where I stocked up on French skincare brands like Caudalie, Avène, and La Roche-Posay. If you’re into tech, Fnac is a great place to browse electronics, books, and music.
One thing to note is that Polygone can get extremely busy on weekends, so I highly recommend visiting on a weekday morning for a quieter experience. The mall is also directly connected to Comédie Square, making it easy to continue shopping in the surrounding area.
✔ Pros: Huge variety of stores, central location, great dining options
❌ Cons: Crowded during peak hours, parking is expensive
2. Odysseum – Open-Air Shopping & Entertainment
📍 Location: Allée Ulysse, 34000 Montpellier
🚇 How to Get There: Take Tram Line 1 to Odysseum stop
🛍 What You’ll Find: High-end brands, lifestyle stores, restaurants, entertainment venues
⭐ Must-Visit Stores: Apple Store, Uniqlo, Decathlon, Nike, H&M
🍽 Where to Eat: Grand Slam Burger, Vapiano, Sushi Kawaii
💰 Best Deals: Student discounts available in several stores
Odysseum is Montpellier’s most exciting shopping and entertainment complex. Unlike Polygone, which is a traditional mall, Odysseum is an open-air shopping village. It’s a fantastic place to shop while enjoying fresh air and beautiful Mediterranean sunshine.
I loved wandering around Odysseum and visiting a mix of international brands and specialty stores. The Apple Store here is a great place to test out the latest gadgets, and I was impressed by Decathlon’s massive selection of affordable sportswear and outdoor gear. If you love sneakers and sports fashion, Nike and Adidas have huge flagship stores here.
One of my favorite parts of Odysseum was its amazing entertainment options. After a few hours of shopping, I decided to relax at the Gaumont multiplex cinema, which features comfortable reclining seats. There’s also an aquarium, an ice-skating rink, and a climbing center, making this a perfect place for families.
✔ Pros: Open-air concept, great mix of shopping and entertainment
❌ Cons: Some stores close earlier than expected, can be overwhelming due to size
3. Le Marché du Lez – Bohemian Shopping & Local Designers
📍 Location: 1348 Av. Raymond Dugrand, 34000 Montpellier
🚇 How to Get There: Take Tram Line 4 to Pablo Picasso stop
🛍 What You’ll Find: Independent boutiques, vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, art galleries
⭐ Best Finds: Leather bags, organic skincare, vintage clothing, local ceramics
If you’re looking for something truly unique, Le Marché du Lez is a must-visit. This isn’t a traditional shopping mall—it’s a creative and artistic hub filled with independent designers, vintage shops, and pop-up concept stores.
I absolutely loved the laid-back, artsy atmosphere of this place. Every store felt like a hidden treasure, offering beautiful handcrafted items. One of my favorite finds was a handmade leather bag from a local artisan—it had a classic, timeless design that I knew I wouldn’t find anywhere else.
Another amazing discovery was a boutique selling organic skincare products made from lavender and olive oil. I bought a few small items as souvenirs for friends, and they were thrilled!
✔ Pros: Unique and authentic shopping experience, supports local artisans
❌ Cons: Prices are higher than mainstream stores, limited selection of products
4. Centre Commercial Saint-Roch – Local Shopping Hidden Gem
📍 Location: 17 Rue Saint-Roch, 34000 Montpellier
🚇 How to Get There: Short walk from Montpellier Saint-Roch train station
🛍 What You’ll Find: Small boutiques, fashion accessories, home decor
Unlike the bigger malls, Saint-Roch is a small, intimate shopping center that feels quaint and personal. It has a mix of independent shops and small chain stores, making it a good place to find affordable yet stylish clothing and home accessories.
I came here on a quiet weekday afternoon and enjoyed browsing small boutiques without the usual crowds. The best part? The shopkeepers were incredibly friendly, offering great recommendations based on my preferences.
✔ Pros: Relaxed shopping atmosphere, unique items
❌ Cons: Fewer stores compared to larger shopping centers
Where Should You Shop in Montpellier?
Montpellier is a shopper’s dream, offering a diverse range of shopping experiences, from modern shopping centers to bohemian artisan markets. No matter your budget, style, or preference, you’ll find something that suits you in this vibrant city.
Which Shopping Destination is Right for You?
- If you love modern shopping malls and international brands, visit Polygone Montpellier or Odysseum. These locations offer high-street fashion, tech stores, department stores, and dining options, making them ideal for those who prefer a convenient all-in-one shopping experience.
- If you prefer a more unique, artsy, and vintage vibe, head to Le Marché du Lez, where you can discover local designers, vintage treasures, and handcrafted artisan products. This is the best place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
- For a quieter, more intimate shopping experience, explore Centre Commercial Saint-Roch. It’s a hidden gem that offers a mix of small boutiques, home decor, and independent brands without the overwhelming crowds.
My Top Shopping Tips for Montpellier
🛍 Plan Your Shopping Days: Many stores in Montpellier close for lunch breaks between 12 PM and 2 PM, so it’s best to check store hours in advance. Also, most smaller shops are closed on Sundays, though larger shopping centers like Polygone and Odysseum remain open.
💰 Look for Seasonal Sales: If you want to grab the best deals, plan your visit during France’s famous sales seasons (soldes) in January and July, when prices drop significantly across all stores.
🌞 Best Time to Shop: If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, visit stores in the morning (before noon) or in the late afternoon. Midday tends to be the busiest time, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
🎁 Buy Local & Authentic Souvenirs: Instead of generic touristy gifts, consider picking up handcrafted leather goods, ceramics, lavender-based skincare, or a bottle of Languedoc wine. These items are both meaningful and representative of Montpellier’s culture.
🚆 Getting Around: Montpellier’s tram system is excellent, making it easy to hop from one shopping area to another. A single tram ticket costs around €1.60, or you can get a day pass (€4.30) if you plan to visit multiple shopping locations in one day.
Why Montpellier is a Shopping Paradise
I’ve had the chance to shop in many cities across Europe, but Montpellier stands out for its perfect mix of modern convenience and local charm. Unlike some cities where shopping is either purely high-end or strictly budget-friendly, Montpellier offers a balanced blend of both worlds.
One of my favorite parts about shopping here is that you don’t feel rushed. The relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, combined with the friendly nature of the local shopkeepers, makes it a pleasurable and stress-free experience.
Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, picking up unique souvenirs, or simply enjoying the vibrant energy of the city, Montpellier offers a rich shopping culture that caters to every type of traveler. So, grab your shopping bags and enjoy discovering the best of Montpellier’s retail scene! 🛍✨
