Montpellier

BANQUETS MÉDITERRANÉENS ENTRE GRECS, ÉTRUSQUES ET GAULOIS Du 5 juin 2026 au 1er février 2027 Visites guidées tous les vendredis à 10h du 10 juillet au 28 août 2026   Les pratiques alimentaires antiques, et plus spécifiquement les repas collectifs, sont un langage complexe. Le choix des aliments, des ustensiles, la mise en scène autant que les gestes rituels effectués constituent un ensemble de codes culturels partagés. À l’occasion de ces banquets, donnés en l’honneur des morts et des dieux ou pour célébrer la vie, les participants adoptent des valeurs, des règles sociales et des pratiques de consommation communes.   La Méditerranée nord-occidentale, caractérisée par de fortes interactions entre les cultures grecque phocéenne, étrusque et gauloise, offre un terrain d’étude idéal pour aborder cette thématique du banquet. Au-delà d’une apparente similitude des objets mis au jour lors des fouilles archéologiques – souvent interprétés au filtre du modèle du symposion gréco-étrusque – se pose en effet la question de la réalité et de la diversité des rites selon les contextes et les domaines culturels.   Cette exposition est reconnue d’intérêt national par l’État (ministère de la Culture) qui lui apporte à ce titre un soutien financier exceptionnel.

From Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d'Espeyran, a private mansion located next to the Fabre Museum, will host Guimet+ Montpellier, born from a partnership between the Montpellier metropolis and the Guimet Museum in Paris. Discover an exceptional selection of masterpieces, a first approach to the ancient civilizations of China, the Indian world, Japan and the Himalayan world. A rich cultural program, combining artistic practices, conferences and debates, will enrich and nourish this new axis of openness to the world, in the great tradition of sharing knowledge and cultures in the city of Montpellier. Welcome to Guimet+ Montpellier! IMPORTANT The Cabrières-Sabatier d'Espeyran hotel is open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.

As every spring, the William Shakespeare, Victor Hugo, and Jules Verne libraries open their seed and cutting libraries. They are accessible to all plant and nature lovers. The principle is simple: take seeds or cuttings... And bring others: here, everything is an exchange! More information at: [https://mediatheques.montpellier3m.fr](https://mediatheques.montpellier3m.fr/default/grainotheque.aspx?_lg=fr-FR) Organized by the Montpellier Metropolis Library Network. This event is part of the OFF of the spring-summer edition of "Eat as You Sow, the 4 Seasons Festival." From May 22 to June 7, join us for nearly 80 events led by actors in the sustainable agricultural and food system: farm visits, walks, workshops, markets, tastings, festivities... The full program ⭢ [https://bocal-languedoc.fr/manger-comme-on-seme](https://bocal-languedoc.fr/manger-comme-on-seme)

As every spring, the William Shakespeare, Victor Hugo, and Jules Verne libraries open their seed and cutting libraries. They are accessible to all plant and nature lovers. The principle is simple: take seeds or cuttings... And bring others: here, everything is an exchange! More information at: [https://mediatheques.montpellier3m.fr](https://mediatheques.montpellier3m.fr/default/grainotheque.aspx?_lg=fr-FR) Organized by the Montpellier Metropolis Library Network. This event is part of the OFF of the spring-summer edition of "Eat as You Sow, the 4 Seasons Festival." From May 22 to June 7, join us for nearly 80 events led by actors in the sustainable agricultural and food system: farm visits, walks, workshops, markets, tastings, festivities... The full program ⭢ [https://bocal-languedoc.fr/manger-comme-on-seme](https://bocal-languedoc.fr/manger-comme-on-seme)

As every spring, the William Shakespeare, Victor Hugo, and Jules Verne libraries open their seed and cutting libraries. They are accessible to all plant and nature lovers. The principle is simple: take seeds or cuttings... And bring some others: here, everything is an exchange! More information at: [https://mediatheques.montpellier3m.fr](https://mediatheques.montpellier3m.fr/default/grainotheque.aspx?_lg=fr-FR) Organized by the Montpellier Metropolis Library Network. This event is part of the OFF of the spring-summer edition of "Eat as You Sow, the 4 Seasons Festival." From May 22 to June 7, join us for nearly 80 events led by actors in the sustainable agricultural and food system: farm visits, walks, workshops, markets, tastings, festivities... The full program ⭢ [https://bocal-languedoc.fr/manger-comme-on-seme](https://bocal-languedoc.fr/manger-comme-on-seme)

1+1=11 - FABIEN VERSCHAERE EXHIBITION-WORKSHOP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CENTRE POMPIDOU From April 18 to June 28, 2026 Designed by visual artist Fabien Verschaere as part of the Centre Pompidou's initiatives, the exhibition 1 + 1 = 11 transforms the museum space into an immersive universe specially created for young audiences. Thought of as a sensitive and playful experience, it invites children to enter a narrative world populated by hybrid and fantastic figures. The installation unfolds like a playful journey: each visitor becomes an active participant in their discovery, moving at their own pace, taking on challenges, and tracing their own path through the artworks. More than just an exhibition, 1 + 1 = 11 offers an imaginative journey where forms, colors, and characters stimulate curiosity and encourage personal expression. An invitation to explore contemporary art in a different way, at a child's level, and to make the visit a moment of awakening, freedom, and shared creation. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM. Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM. From June to September: closing at 7 PM.

THE FIELD OF METAL - FERNANDO COSTA TEMPORARY EXHIBITION From April 18 to September 20, 2026 With The Field of Metal, sculptor-welder Fernando Costa transforms Parcelle473 into a vibrant universe crafted from reclaimed metal materials. True to his approach, the exhibition celebrates the transformation and memory of objects, giving a second life to fragments from everyday life. Designed in connection with the site's viticultural and agricultural history, the exhibition creates a dialogue between works and supports from the rural world. Colorful paintings and sculptures compose an immersive journey where textures, materials, and glazed highlights create a unique artistic landscape. Visitors thus discover a transfigured material, balancing industrial strength and visual poetry. An invitation to look at the materials around us in a new way, to understand their creative potential, and to experience contemporary art through color, gesture, and transformation.

"Jaume PLENSA is part of the long tradition of Catalan sculptors, of which he is today the foremost representative, who have conceived their work in a dialogue between Mediterranean memory and universality. For several decades, the sculptor has been showcasing a body of work on the international stage that questions the human condition in the context of public space. From the famous Crown Fountain at Millennium Park in Chicago to his installation at the San Giorgio Maggiore Abbey for the Venice Biennale in 2015, his silent figures translate into space a deep meditation on identity, vulnerability, and language. Bodies woven from letters, intertwined alphabets, faces with closed eyes absorbed in a dense interiority: this iconography suggests that humanity is a text in the making, creation a palimpsest of languages and cultures. Following its reopening in 2025 with the JR exhibition, Carré Sainte-Anne also asserts a southern and universal ambition, both heritage and contemporary, aware of the diversity and richness of its roots. After discovering and loving this place for "the intensity that emanates from its walls, its stones, and its light," Jaume PLENSA will propose a large-scale installation this summer, designed for the verticality of the nave and its unique history, a rare encounter questioning the notions of contemplation and elevation, as well as the ability of contemporary art to weave connections between memories and territories. Numa HAMBURSIN, curator of the exhibition Biography Born in Barcelona in 1955, Jaume Plensa is an essential figure in international contemporary sculpture, much of whose work is specifically designed for public space. His sculptures are present around the world: "Crown Fountain" at Millennium Park in Chicago; "We" at the foot of The Shard in London; "Water’s Soul" in Jersey City facing Manhattan; "Julia" on Plaza de Colón in Madrid; "The House of Light and Love" in Taipei. In France, his works can be seen in front of the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Caen, at Port Vauban in Antibes, Place Masséna in Nice, and Place des Ormeaux in Valence. Numerous museums in Europe, the United States, and Asia have showcased Plensa's works. Among his major exhibitions are the one at the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona in 1996, which was later presented at the Jeu de Paume National Gallery in Paris and at Malmö Konsthall in Sweden the following year; and "Genus and Species" at the Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas, Texas in 2010. In 2011, a large selection of his sculptures was exhibited at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in West Bretton (UK), which earned this institution the Most Magnificent Attraction award in 2011. His work was recently exhibited at the Museum of Art and Archaeology in Valence as part of a public commission, as well as at the Fundación Telefónica in Madrid. In June 2025, he presented "Forgotten Dreams" as part of Art Basel Unlimited, confirming his recognition on the global art scene. In the fall of 2025, a major retrospective was dedicated to him at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Michigan (USA), one of the largest sculpture parks in North America. A recipient of numerous national and international awards, including the National Fine Arts Prize awarded by the Catalan government in 1997, Jaume Plensa was made a Knight of Arts and Letters in France in 1993. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2005. In Spain, he received the National Fine Arts Prize in 2012 and the prestigious Velázquez Prize in 2013. With "Together," an exhibition on the sidelines of the 56th Venice Biennale at the Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore, Jaume Plensa won the Global Fine Art Award for Best Public Outdoor Installation in 2015. In 2025, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Center. (Based on Galerie Lelong) Practical Information Address: 2, rue Philippy, 34 000 Montpellier Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm except from June 16 to August 30: 11am-1pm and 2pm-7pm

This is the major summer exhibition at the Musée Fabre, and the first dedicated to design! Until November 1st, come and observe the colorful works of Pierre Paulin (and sometimes even sit on them!) Pierre Paulin explored every way to be a designer over the course of five decades. Visionary and demanding, this strong personality offers through his work, or his craft as he preferred to say, a true journey into the era that shaped our century, transforming lifestyles and technologies. The exhibition's layout is fluid, providing beautiful perspectives on reconstructed interior design ensembles and significant milestones that mark both Pierre Paulin's career and the cultural and historical context in which it unfolded. Diverse and informative, it allows visitors to discover how a designer's spirit evolves from the commission to the delivery of an object. Interactive, it offers all sorts of activities in its workshop lounge to experience the designer's profession. Spectacular, it showcases the most monumental installations of the work. The Video Barnum, a piece conceived in 1985, offers an immersive experience orchestrated by Paulin, Paulin, Paulin and Sounds Like Paulin. From Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM. [Musée Fabre Website](https://www.museefabre.fr/expo-paulin)

The Pavillon Populaire presents the exhibition "First Times / First Photos" curated by French photography specialist Luce LEBART, Independent Artistic Director in charge of the 2026-2027 programming at the Pavillon Populaire. An invitation to a playful and scholarly journey through 200 years of innovations and experiments in photography. The exhibition brings together a selection of "first times" that are technical, aesthetic, scientific, and societal, from the initial attempts of inventors to recent images of galaxy births, including the first photographs transmitted remotely, the first performed image, the first photography book, not to mention the first day of school, or even the first "louse" in the history of photography. Iconic photographers also share their stories through images of "Their First Times" and their encounters with photography. Visitors will discover the first attempts and images of Henri Cartier Bresson, Bernard Plossu, Martin Parr, and Boris Mikhaïlhov. The exhibition highlights the connections between contemporary innovations and past experiments, while also addressing the economic and industrial stakes that underpin inventors' research and their strategies to ensure recognition and legacy through the protection of their intellectual and commercial property. From the "photocyclist" to the "phototrigger," the ingenious patents and quirky brands will delight and surprise visitors. The exhibition will also unveil the hidden side of inventions through the controversies that arose in the race for innovation: the stakes of authorship in the invention of color or the grid, for example. There is also a significant focus on tests and trials, not to mention inventions that went nowhere. "Try again, fail again, fail better": these famous words by Samuel Beckett are a recurring theme of the exhibition, which explores the multiple inventions of photography through the lens of experimentation. There is certainly not one invention but multiple inventions of photography. In the background of the exhibition, 4 contemporary works resonate with images from the past, while several photographic "first times" related to the history of the city of Montpellier and its region punctuate the journey. The exhibition is accompanied by an eponymous catalog published by Spector Books (June 2026). Practical Information From July 1 to August 30: Tuesday to Sunday 11am-1pm and 2pm-7pm. From September 1 to November 1: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. Free admission.

Group dog training course at Domaine de Méric from 9 AM to 11 AM: Saturday, September 5 Saturday, September 26 Saturday, October 31 Saturday, November 28 The City of Montpellier is organizing free group dog training sessions at the dog area of Domaine de Méric. This initiative aims to raise awareness among dog owners about how to manage and train their pets, as well as the behavior to adopt in public spaces, in order to promote harmonious living together and allow everyone to benefit from the experience of dog trainers. Note: A maximum of 10 dogs is accepted, with a maximum of 2 dogs per owner. Attention: Dogs that are reactive to humans or other dogs are not accepted in the group sessions.

The City of Montpellier is organizing free group dog training sessions at the dog area of Édith Piaf Park. This initiative aims to raise awareness among dog owners about how to manage and train their pets, as well as the behavior to adopt in public spaces, in order to promote harmonious coexistence and allow everyone to benefit from the experience of dog trainers. Please note: a maximum of 10 dogs is allowed, with a maximum of 2 dogs per owner. Attention: Dogs that are reactive to humans or other dogs are not permitted in the group sessions.

Thursday, September 10, 2026, Let's Talk Mental Health! Join us at Place Paul Bec from 11 AM to 6 PM Every year, the month of September turns yellow to raise awareness about suicide prevention and combat the stigma surrounding mental health. On the occasion of the International Day for Suicide Prevention, 3114, the mobile health prevention unit of the city of Montpellier - Ma.P and their partners will be active in the Antigone neighborhood. On the agenda for this day: Information about the suicide prevention number - [3114](https://3114.fr/) Discussion and guidance related to mental health Information on mental health support services with [health insurance](https://www.ameli.fr/herault/medecin/exercice-liberal/prise-charge-situation-type-soin/accompagnement-psychologue-conventionne-mon-soutien-psy) Free, no appointment necessary, open to everyone!

Come visit the protected natural site of Méjean accompanied by a guide to discover the area with a naturalist's perspective. Equipped with binoculars and a telescope, enjoy a moment with family or friends, observing the characteristic fauna and flora of the Mediterranean lagoons.

After 2 years of renovations, [the Neptune Aquatic Center](https://www.montpellier.fr/territoire/lieux-equipements/centre-aquatique-neptune) is once again accessible to everyone! New indoor and outdoor pools, mineral beaches and water games, renovated changing rooms, water jets... Completely refurbished, the Neptune Aquatic Center invites you to learn how to swim as well as to have fun in its playful pools. To celebrate its reopening, join us on Saturday, September 12th starting at 9 AM for a day of fun, sports, free activities open to all. Day's Program 9 AM: Pool opens to the public 11 AM: Official inauguration. Speeches and tour of the center. Activities from 11 AM to 6 PM: Inflatable courses. Water activities. Skill and balance games. Escape Pool. Sports and health village. Drowning prevention awareness.

The City of Montpellier is organizing free group dog training sessions at the dog area of Montcalm Park. This initiative aims to raise awareness among dog owners on how to manage and train their pets, as well as the behavior to adopt in public spaces, in order to promote harmonious coexistence and allow everyone to benefit from the experience of dog trainers. Please note: a maximum of 10 dogs is allowed, with a maximum of 2 dogs per owner. Attention: Dogs that are reactive to humans or other dogs are not permitted in the group sessions.

The City of Montpellier is organizing free group dog training sessions at the dog area of the Grande Lironde Park. This initiative aims to raise awareness among dog owners about how to manage and train their pets, as well as the behavior to adopt in public spaces, in order to promote harmonious coexistence and allow everyone to benefit from the experience of dog trainers. Please note: a maximum of 10 dogs is allowed, with a maximum of 2 dogs per owner. Attention: Dogs that are reactive to humans or other dogs are not permitted in the group sessions.

Preparing the garden for autumn/winter, soil preparation, sowing/planting 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Family Gardens of Rieucoulon, educational plot, access to the gardens between 575 and 681 Rue Rouget de Lisle in Montpellier Bus 15 and 17 / stop Paul Fajon An event organized by the City of Montpellier and carried out by CPIE APIEU

In partnership with the French Federation of Camargue Racing and the bullfighting clubs of Petite Camargue that wish to participate, the 11th edition of the "Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole Bullfighting Trophy" will take place between April 25 and September 27, 2026, featuring 13 races that will all be integrated into the calendars of the Trophies of the As and Avenir. Meeting in Lansargues: 3:30 PM: Capelado 4:00 PM: Race The Raseteurs The raseteurs, assisted by the turners, are the main protagonists of the Camargue race. They face a very lively and light castrated bull called a cocardier, from which they attempt to remove the prized attributes that decorate its head. They perform a variety of rasets, allowing them to maneuver the animal. The Manades The territory is also a breeding ground for the Camargue livestock, and thanks to them, few festivals take place without bullfighting events (Races, Abrivado, Bandido). The Jury The jury is composed of 3 people. It may be supplemented by a representative from a neighboring CT participating in the Trophée 3M upon request. Likewise, a representative from the sports department of the Metropolis may be designated to complete the jury. Its composition and role will be presented to the public before the start of the race. This jury will be the only authority to decide on the prize money (bulls, raseteurs, and bullfighting clubs).

Montpellier celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Sign Union Flag! From September 16 to 20, 2026, Montpellier will host the World Deaf Day Montpellier 2026, an exceptional event dedicated to French Sign Language (LSF) and Deaf culture. This edition has a special significance: it will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first official raising of the Sign Union Flag. In 2016, Montpellier became the first city in the world to officially raise this flag, a symbol of sign language, Deaf culture, and the recognition of the linguistic rights of Deaf individuals. For five days, the city will resonate with a rich program open to everyone. Residents, visitors, curious individuals, families, Deaf and hearing people will be able to share moments of discovery, exchange, and conviviality through numerous activities. On the agenda: inauguration ceremony, raising of the Sign Union Flag, conferences, performances, workshops to discover LSF, guided tours in sign language, banquet, as well as the exhibition “Light of the Deaf” at the Cité des Arts. Beyond the celebration, the World Deaf Day Montpellier 2026 aims to raise public awareness of French Sign Language and Deaf culture, promote a more inclusive and accessible society, and highlight the richness of exchanges between Deaf and hearing individuals. Whether you already know sign language or simply wish to discover it, the World Deaf Day Montpellier 2026 invites you to experience a unique human, cultural, and civic experience. [Information, complete program, and registration](https://sites.google.com/view/jms-montpellier-2026/jms-montpellier-2026?authuser=0)