Montpellier: Guided Tour of Unusual Places by Electric Bike

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just enjoy easy riding in a new city, the Montpellier electric bike tour offers a fascinating way to see a side of this vibrant city that many visitors miss. For $81 per person, you’ll spend about three and a half hours on a guided journey that takes you from the lively Place de la Comédie to lesser-known corners like abandoned follies, historic churches, and peaceful parks.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the use of electric bikes means you’re covering a lot of ground without breaking a sweat—perfect for exploring the city’s more distant or hilly spots. Second, the guides are fluent in French, English, and Spanish, making it accessible and engaging for a diverse range of travelers.

A possible consideration: this tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 115 kg (254 lbs), so if that applies, you might want to look for alternative ways to discover Montpellier.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path locations with a knowledgeable guide who can fill in the details. If you’re curious about forgotten fountains, historic churches, or abandoned estates, this ride promises a memorable, less touristy perspective of Montpellier.

Key Points

• Unusual sites: The tour visits hidden spots like forgotten fountains, old churches, and abandoned follies.
• Comfortable experience: Electric bikes ensure an easy ride, even through some of the city’s more challenging terrain.
• Multilingual guides: Guides speak French, English, and Spanish, making the experience accessible and engaging for many.
• Small groups: Limited to 8 participants, providing a personalized feel.
• Authentic insights: The guides share interesting stories about Montpellier’s lesser-known history and sites.
• Flexible cancellation: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting from the bustling Place de la Comédie, the tour sets the tone with the lively heart of Montpellier, a perfect starting point to get your bearings. From here, the ride takes you through the city center, along the Jardin des Plantes, a lush green space that offers a peaceful contrast to the urban bustle.

One of the highlights is passing the disused Font Putanelle fountain, which sparks curiosity about its history and why it was abandoned. Not far from here, you’ll visit the Sainte Thérèse church—a striking 1930s building that’s often overlooked by travelers, yet holds a captivating story.

Crossing through the Parc de la Guirlande, you’ll reach Celleneuve, one of Montpellier’s older neighborhoods, complete with its quaint church. Here, you’ll encounter one of Montpellier’s abandoned follies, the Domaine Bonnier de la Mosson, a site that resembles a miniature version of Versailles, whispering tales of grandeur now fallen into quiet ruin.

The tour continues to the Juvignac thermal baths, where you can fill your water bottles with renowned healing waters, adding a sensory element to the experience. Along the route, your guide shares insights into the history and significance of each spot, making the ride both educational and enjoyable.

Finally, the ride loops back through the Avenue de Lodève and the city center, leaving you with fresh impressions of Montpellier from a perspective few visitors ever see.

The Ride and the Guide

We loved the ease of riding thanks to the electric bikes. The bikes are well-maintained, comfortable, and easy to handle, even for those new to cycling. Our guide, Sébastien, was well-informed, sharing stories and historical tidbits that added depth without overwhelming. Multiple reviews compliment guides like Sébastien for their knowledgeable and friendly approach, making the experience both fun and educational.

The small group size—limited to 8—means plenty of attention from the guide and a chance to ask questions or get personalized recommendations. Safety equipment is available on request, which adds peace of mind, especially when navigating city streets and less-traveled paths.

Authentic and Unique Locations

What sets this tour apart is its focus on lesser-known sites. Many city tours stick to the obvious sights, but this one deliberately veers off that beaten track. You’ll see forgotten fountains, abandoned estates, and quiet parks that offer a glimpse into Montpellier’s layered past.

One reviewer (Paul) emphasized how the well-chosen sites allowed for a different view of the city: “The places we visited were well chosen and very charming, allowing us to discover Montpellier from a different angle.”

The abandoned follies, such as the Domaine Bonnier de la Mosson, are especially memorable—these are the kind of places that spark curiosity and are rarely included in mainstream tours. They evoke a sense of history and decay, giving a more authentic view of the city’s development.

Visiting the Thermal Baths

A highlight for many is the stop at the Juvignac thermal baths, where you can fill your water bottles with waters famed for their healing properties. This touch of local wellness tradition adds a sensory element that many travelers find intriguing and relaxing.

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The Overall Experience and Practicalities

The tour lasts 3.5 hours, which balances enough time to see a variety of sites without feeling rushed. The price of $81 is reasonable when you consider the personalized guide service, the use of high-quality electric bikes, and the exclusive access to sites that are not usually on tourist maps.

The meeting point in front of the Tourist Office at the Place de la Comédie is central and easy to find. Since the experience is available in multiple languages, travelers from different backgrounds will feel comfortable and engaged.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 115 kg, so keep that in mind if you’re considering booking.

What Do Reviewers Say?

Most reviews are glowing, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from six travelers. The enthusiasm for the guides shines through—many praise the knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating nature of guides like Louis and Sébastien. One reviewer from Austria called it an “Adventurous” experience, noting how they saw some unusual places that added depth to their understanding of Montpellier.

A noteworthy critique came from a Dutch traveler, Cora, who found that the information given at locations sometimes felt disconnected or read from Wikipedia. However, even she appreciated the effort and enthusiasm of the guides, and the overall experience still scored a solid 3 out of 5.

This balance of praise and slight critique suggests that the main value lies in the guided storytelling and the chance to see unseen parts of Montpellier—a perfect fit for curious, open-minded travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is particularly well-suited for history buffs, adventurers, and those curious about hidden corners of a city. If you’re looking for a less touristy, more personal exploration with knowledgeable guides, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It also appeals to those who enjoy a relaxed ride with plenty of stops for photos, stories, and local insights.

The Sum Up

The Montpellier Guided Electric Bike Tour offers a fresh, engaging way to discover a city filled with surprises. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to see the familiar sights from a different angle while exploring hidden sites that most visitors overlook. The use of electric bikes makes the ride accessible for almost everyone, and the small group size ensures personalized attention from guides like Sébastien.

For those interested in unusual sites, local stories, and authentic experiences, this tour provides excellent value. It’s especially perfect for history lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to take a slow, insightful tour through Montpellier’s lesser-known corners.

While it may not be perfect for everyone, especially those who prefer more structured, story-driven tours, it clearly offers a memorable, offbeat perspective on Montpellier that enriches your visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the electric bikes make it easy to cover a lot of ground without strenuous effort, making it accessible even for those who aren’t regular cyclists.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak French, English, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and a personalized experience for travelers from different backgrounds.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, providing a relaxed pace with time to stop and enjoy each site.

Is the tour safe?
Yes, safety equipment can be provided upon request, and the electric bikes are designed for comfort and stability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers electric bikes, safety equipment (if requested), guides in multiple languages, and the original itinerary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

The Montpellier: Guided Tour of Unusual Places by Electric Bike provides a compelling mix of interesting locations, expert guides, and relaxed riding—an excellent way to see Montpellier’s hidden sides that most travelers miss.

You can check availability for your dates here: