Montpellier Souvenirs: Top 10 Gems to Pack in Your Suitcase
Montpellier Souvenirs: Top 10 Gems to Pack in Your Suitcase
Montpellier is about more than just the Place de la Comédie and 300 days of sunshine a year. It is a city of skilled artisans, ancestral flavors, and overflowing creativity. Leaving soon? To help you skip the generic magnets and choose something authentic, here is our updated selection of the 10 best souvenirs from “La Surdouée.”
1. Les Grisettes de Montpellier
The city’s iconic candy since the Middle Ages. These small black pearls blend two quintessential Southern flavors: liquorice and honey.
Why? For the unique taste and the charming vintage metal tin—a true collector’s item.
2. A Bottle of Grés de Montpellier Wine
The local terroir produces robust, elegant reds. The vines thrive between the sea and the garrigue (Mediterranean scrubland), giving the wine distinct notes of thyme and rosemary.
Tip: Look for the AOC Languedoc – Grés de Montpellier label.
3. Olive Oil
Produced on the outskirts of the city, this olive oil is exceptionally pure.
Star Variety: Don’t leave without trying the Lucques, the crescent-shaped green olive typical of the region.
4. Pélardon AOP
Forget the gadgets and go for this small goat cheese with a big personality. While it hails from the nearby Cévennes mountains, it reigns supreme in Montpellier’s markets. It can be enjoyed creamy or dry.
5. Biscuits de l’Écusson
A must-visit for foodies! These artisanal cookies are named after the city’s historic center (the “Écusson”).
The Highlight: Try the caramelized almond biscuit flavored with eremorange—a rare citrus fruit similar to a tangerine, grown by the Hennebert family in their nursery in nearby Montbazin.
6. La Cartagène
This traditional fortified wine is the best-kept secret of the Languedoc. Enjoyed as an aperitif or with dessert, its sweetness makes it a surprising and delightful gift for your loved ones.
7. Camargue Sea Salt
Just a few miles away, the salt flats of Aigues-Mortes produce a Fleur de Sel of incredible delicacy. It is the region’s “white gold,” perfect for elevating your cooking back home.
8. Local Illustrator Prints
The city is full of designer boutiques (especially on Rue de l’Ancien Courrier). Bring home a minimalist poster of the Babote Tower or the Arc de Triomphe for an elegant, arty touch to your decor.
9. Lavender Products
Montpellier’s markets (like the one at Les Arceaux) are overflowing with dried lavender sachets and essential oils. It’s the scent of the holidays that will keep your linens smelling fresh.
10. The MHSC Jersey
For sports fans, the orange and blue jersey of Montpellier Hérault Sport Club is a must. It’s a symbol of local passion and the “Paillade” spirit.
Extra Tip:
To find these treasures, head to the Halles Castellane or the small boutiques along Rue de l’Ancien Courrier. That is where you will find the most authentic side of Montpellier.
