Montpellier Beer Tour

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves exploring cities through their food and drink scenes, the Montpellier Beer Tour offers a fresh perspective on this charming southern French city. Rather than sticking to typical sightseeing, this experience takes you into the world of craft beer, revealing the stories and techniques behind some of the region’s best microbreweries.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the small-group format ensures a more intimate and personalized experience. Second, the visits to usually closed-to-the-public breweries give a behind-the-scenes look at how these unique beers are made. Third, the educational component—from ingredients to tasting techniques—adds real value for anyone interested in expanding their beer knowledge.

One potential consideration is that the tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to run, so it’s not available for last-minute or solo travelers. Also, since it’s focused on craft beer, non-drinkers or pregnant women might want to seek other options, as alcohol consumption is limited to those 18 and older. It’s best suited for curious beer enthusiasts or those eager to discover a different side of Montpellier.

If you’re keen on authentic, small-group experiences that combine culture, learning, and a good dose of tastings, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. With its balanced approach, it offers both educational insights and enjoyable social moments in a relaxed setting.

Good To Know

• Small group size ensures a more personal and engaging experience.
• Visit to a brewery usually closed to the public offers exclusive access.
• Educational focus on ingredients, brewing techniques, and beer pairing.
• Includes 6 beer tastings and an appetizer platter.
• Not a bar crawl—strictly informative, with limited alcohol consumption.
• Tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What the tour involves and who it’s for

The Montpellier Beer Tour is a three-hour journey into the city’s craft beer scene, guided by a passionate zythologist who loves sharing their knowledge. As you walk through the historic streets of Montpellier, your guide highlights the city’s cultural background while leading you towards three microbreweries, each with its own story and character.

This tour is ideal for beer lovers, curious travelers, or anyone interested in learning about the art of brewing. It’s designed to be both entertaining and educational, offering an authentic look at Montpellier’s burgeoning craft beer culture. Since the group is limited to 10 participants, expect a friendly, interactive environment where questions are encouraged.

The itinerary: a detailed breakdown

Starting point: Place de la Comédie

You’ll meet your guide in front of the fountain of the Three Graces with a sign clearly marking the Montpellier Beer Tour. This central location makes it easy to find and offers a lively starting point for your journey.

First stop: a microbrewery with exclusive access

The tour kicks off with a visit to a microbrewery that’s not open to the general public. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, often gaining insights that other visitors don’t see. Expect to learn about ingredients such as hops, malt, yeast, and water, and how different techniques influence flavor and style.

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Second and third brewery visits

The subsequent stops continue to showcase Montpellier’s craft beer diversity. These visits allow you to sample a total of 6 different beers—a mix of styles that demonstrate the creativity and skill of local brewers. While reviews mention the tasting experience is limited (which is typical for an educational tour), the selection is curated to show a good range of flavors.

Beer tasting and pairing

The tasting experience is complemented by an appetizer platter at the last stop, designed to enhance your appreciation of the beers. The guide explains pairing techniques, helping you understand how certain dishes can elevate the beer experience.

Educational component

Throughout the tour, your guide shares stories about beer history, the art of tasting, and even pairing suggestions. You’ll learn to identify different aromas, flavors, and mouthfeels, turning you into a more confident beer taster.

What reviews reveal about the experience

People who have taken the tour emphasize the personalized attention and passion of the guide, Alicia Koch from Sauvageonne. One reviewer appreciated that “the guide really took the time to explain each beer and the brewing process, which made it more meaningful.” Others appreciated the exclusive visit to a brewery normally off-limits, noting it was a highlight.

Some reviews mention that the tour isn’t a drinking spree but a learning experience, which is perfect if you prefer quality over quantity. The tasting of 6 beers is enough to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed, and the appetizer platter helps balance the alcohol.

Logistics and value

The $80 price tag includes the guided tour, six beers, and the food pairing. Considering the exclusive access and educational value, it’s a fair price compared to similar specialized tours. The small group size makes it easier to interact, ask questions, and enjoy a relaxed pace.

The tour is scheduled for different times, but you’ll need to reserve in advance—especially since at least four participants are needed for it to run. The flexibility of reserve now and pay later offers peace of mind if your plans change.

Practical tips for travelers

• Arrive at the meeting point early to find the guide easily.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the historic streets.
• Bring a notebook if you want to jot down tasting notes or info.
• Remember, alcohol is only served to those 18 and older; non-drinkers will be served non-alcoholic beverages.
• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or children under 18.

Summary: Is it worth it?

For those eager to combine cultural exploration with a craft beer education, this tour offers genuine value. The opportunity to visit a usually private brewery is a real highlight, and the tasting component is well-curated without feeling rushed. The guide’s enthusiasm adds something special, making it more than just a tasting session.

The price reflects the exclusivity and quality of the experience. If you’re into learning about beer, discovering local producers, or simply want a fun, social way to explore Montpellier, this tour hits the right notes.

The Montpellier Beer Tour is a great choice for travelers seeking a small-group, educational experience that reveals the city’s craft beer scene. Its combination of exclusive brewery visits, tastings, and expert insights makes it stand out from generic bar crawls.

The tour’s focus on learning and quality rather than quantity appeals to those who want to deepen their understanding of beer while enjoying authentic local flavors. Given the limited group size and personalized approach, it offers both intimacy and valuable knowledge.

While it may not be suitable for underage guests or those who prefer just to drink without learning, it suits curious, social beer enthusiasts or anyone wanting a more meaningful way to connect with Montpellier’s cultural offerings. Overall, it’s an experience that balances fun, education, and authenticity—a memorable addition to any trip to the south of France.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to explore, learn, and taste without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a guided tour, tasting of 6 different beers, and an appetizer platter at the last bar.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, non-alcoholic beverages are served to travelers under 18 or those who prefer not to drink alcohol.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended since the tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to run, and you can reserve with flexible payment options.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is available in both French and English, accommodating different language preferences.

Can I join if I’m traveling alone?
Yes, but note that the tour only runs if there are at least 4 participants, so it’s best for small groups or those traveling with others.

Are children allowed?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to alcohol regulations.

Where do we meet?
You’ll meet your guide in front of the fountain of the Three Graces on Place de la Comédie, marked with a Montpellier Beer Tour sign.

You can check if your dates are available here: