Montpellier: Guided Tour of Unusual Places by Electric Bike

If you’re looking to see a different side of Montpellier, this electric bike tour promises a playful and insightful journey through some of the city’s lesser-known corners. From historic ruins to abandoned follies, and even thermal baths with healing waters, this experience is designed to reveal the city’s quirkiest spots in comfort and style.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the combination of enthusiastic guides, a comfortable e-bike experience, and an itinerary that’s both original and offbeat. The small-group size ensures a personalized touch, making it ideal for those who want a relaxed yet engaging way to explore.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour is guided primarily in French, English, and Spanish, so language preferences could influence your experience. Also, if you’re pregnant or over 115 kg, this adventure might not be suitable, which is an important consideration for some travelers.

This tour is perfect for curious visitors eager to discover Montpellier’s hidden stories and unusual sights beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy active exploration with a touch of local flavor and a dash of history.

Good To Know

• Unique route through Montpellier’s lesser-known areas and abandoned sites
• Electric bikes provide a comfortable way to cover more ground with ease
• Multilingual guides ensure a tailored experience for diverse travelers
• Small group setting allows for more personalized interaction and questions
• Includes stops at thermal baths, historic churches, and secret follies
• Ideal for active explorers who appreciate offbeat destinations and stories

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Montpellier on Two Wheels: A Practical Overview

This guided electric bike tour offers an inviting way to see Montpellier from a different perspective. For just $81 per person and lasting 3.5 hours, it’s a reasonably priced option that balances adventure, history, and a touch of fun. Based out of the Place de la Comédie, the tour begins in the heart of the city, setting the perfect starting point for an authentic local experience.

The electric bikes are a major highlight—easy to ride, especially across diverse terrains, and designed for comfort and safety. Guides provide safety equipment if requested, ensuring that even beginners can enjoy the ride. The small group size—capped at 8 participants—means you won’t feel lost in the crowd, and you can ask questions freely as you go.

In-Depth Itinerary Breakdown

Starting at the Comédie and Crossing the City Center

The tour kicks off at Montpellier’s bustling Place de la Comédie, a lively hub filled with cafes and street performers. From here, you’ll pedal through the city center, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere before veering into quieter, more unexpected areas. The guides will share snippets of local history and stories, making this initial stretch both lively and informative.

Along the Jardin des Plantes and Font Putanelle

The ride takes you along the Jardin des Plantes, a lovely spot for a quick stop—and a great place to imagine the city’s natural and academic history. Then, the journey leads past the disused Font Putanelle fountain, a forgotten relic that hints at Montpellier’s layered past. Despite its disrepair, this spot is a favorite for those keen on the city’s hidden corners.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Sainte Thérèse Church and Parc de la Guirlande

Next, you’ll visit the Sainte Thérèse church, built in the 1930s, which offers a different architectural style compared to Montpellier’s medieval old town. The small group might be surprised by its unassuming charm. From here, crossing Parc de la Guirlande provides both a scenic break and a chance to appreciate local green spaces that locals cherish.

Celleneuve and Domaine Bonnier de la Mosson

The tour then ventures into the old district of Celleneuve, a neighborhood less frequented by travelers but full of character. Here, you’ll discover one of the city’s abandoned follies, the Domaine Bonnier de la Mosson, an estate reminiscent of Versailles but forgotten by most. Such sites reveal the layered history behind Montpellier’s development, making it a fascinating stop.

Juvignac Thermal Baths

A highlight for many is the stop at the Juvignac thermal baths, famous for their healing waters. Here, you might find the experience of filling your water bottles with mineral-rich, therapeutic water both amusing and memorable. Several reviews highlight the thermal baths as a unique and relaxing part of the tour, with one reviewer mentioning the water’s renowned healing properties.

Return via Avenue de Lodève and the City Center

The ride wraps up by retracing steps through the city’s Avenue de Lodève and back into the heart of Montpellier. The final stretch allows you to reflect on the unusual sights and stories encountered, leaving with a broader, more personal understanding of this diverse city.

Authenticity and Guide Expertise

One of the strongest points of this tour is the guides’ knowledge. Reviewers frequently mention guides like Sébastien, Louis, and Didier, praising their friendliness and local insights. For example, a guest from Australia noted that Louis and Didier were “very knowledgeable and looked after me well in the high temperatures,” emphasizing the caring attitude of the team.

Another reviewer appreciated the interesting itinerary and the balance of city, suburb, and forest riding, which kept the experience dynamic and engaging. The guides seem to excel at sharing stories that aren’t part of the usual tourist trail, making each stop feel special.

What Could Be Improved?

Some reviewers felt that the lack of a structured narrative at each site could be a downside. One comment mentioned that the tour felt “completely unplanned,” with information seeming “designed from Wikipedia,” which took away some of the magic. However, this seems to be a minor issue in an otherwise well-received experience, especially for those who enjoy flexible, curiosity-driven exploration.

The Value of the Tour

At $81 per person, for a 3.5-hour guided experience covering numerous interesting spots, the tour offers good value—particularly for travelers who want more than just a sightseeing list but prefer an engaging story with a local flavor. The small group size and multilingual guides add to the personalized feel, making it easier to ask questions and soak up details.

The inclusion of safety equipment and the ease of the electric bikes mean that even those with limited cycling experience can comfortably keep up. Plus, the off-the-beaten-path stops, like the abandoned follies and thermal baths, provide unique memories that stay with you long after the ride.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy active exploring and uncovering hidden stories. It’s ideal if you’re curious about Montpellier’s lesser-known sites and want a relaxed, commentary-rich journey. The tour’s pace and stops make it accessible for most fitness levels, provided you’re not pregnant or over 115 kg.

Plus, small group sizes and multilingual guides make it a great choice for those who appreciate personalized attention and local insights. If you’re after a quirky, offbeat alternative to conventional city tours, this electric bike adventure should be on your list.

Final Thoughts

This Montpellier electric bike tour offers a compelling way to see the city without the usual crowds. You’ll explore forgotten ruins, scenic parks, and secret neighborhoods—all while relaxing on an electric bike that makes covering more ground effortless. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making each stop interesting and memorable.

For travelers who love active adventures that reveal the city’s hidden layers, this tour delivers both in fun and storytelling. The focus on unusual sights and local stories means you’ll leave with fresh perspectives and stories to tell.

While it may lack a detailed narrative at each site, the overall experience compensates with its authentic charm and thoughtful stops. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of exercise and genuine discovery.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the electric bikes are designed for comfort and ease of use, making it accessible even for those new to biking. Safety equipment is provided upon request.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak French, English, and Spanish, so you can choose based on your preference.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a half-day adventure that’s perfect for fitting into a broader itinerary.

Are food and drinks included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks, but there are stops where you might want to bring water or plan to buy refreshments.

Can I bring my camera or phone?
Yes, you’ll want to take photos during the tour, especially at unique sites like the abandoned follies and thermal baths.

Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
This isn’t specified, and given the biking nature and some uneven terrain, it might not be suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

In summary, this guided electric bike tour in Montpellier offers a unique, relaxed way to explore some of the city’s most unusual and overlooked places. With friendly guides and a carefully curated route, it provides a memorable experience for curious, active travelers seeking a local’s perspective on Montpellier’s hidden gems.

You can check if your dates are available here: