Canadian Snowbirds: Michel Shares His Experience of Winters in Montpellier, Where Serenity Meets Sunshine

Are you a Canadian Snowbird looking for a winter filled with culture, sunshine, and a relaxed lifestyle? Located on the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees seeking a peaceful and stress-free life.

This is the choice of Michel, 71, from Saint-Zotique, a loyal soNomad customer. For the past eight years, he and his spouse have been escaping the cold Canadian winters to enjoy each winter the French way... while also cultivating a precious friendship.

According to him, it’s a city that blends a vibrant cultural heritage, mild weather, authentic gastronomy, and warm hospitality. He explains why he returns every year to spend his winters in Montpellier.

As Snowbirds, Why Did You Choose Montpellier for a Long Stay?

“It’s life that led me there, literally. Twenty-six years ago, I met a friend, Georges, from Montpellier, through a series of coincidences: he’s my best friend’s brother-in-law, and over time, a wonderful friendship developed. We stay at his place in his large house.

At the time, I used to fly in France through Marseille because the airport was easily accessible. Then, gradually, after visiting the French Riviera, Montpellier became the natural base for us.

Every trip is an opportunity to gather around a good drink and great meals. It has become a must-do winter get-together, as much for the quality of life and the friendship that binds us.”

Before Travelling to Montpellier, How Did You Do Your Research and Prepare?

“It’s usually my wife who takes the lead for all the preparation. She loves it so much that her friends even call her their favourite travel agent! She spends hours on Booking.com, reads all the comments, and puts together a custom itinerary for us with places that are beautiful, good, affordable… and charming. That’s how we discover lots of hidden gems worth visiting, like the dam at Lac de Salagou.”

What’s the Weather Like in the South of France During the Winter?

“Winter in Montpellier is around 11 °C during the day and 4 °C at night. It’s not tropical heat, but it’s a whole lot better than -20 °C and snowstorms in Canada.”

How Is the Vibe in Montpellier?

“There’s a true quality of life in Montpellier. People have class, they know how to live life. There’s a certain depth to the French that I appreciate very much. The atmosphere is full of history, and when I visit France, I’m always very receptive to that.

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There are also plenty of free things to do, like the flea markets at Peyrou or Les Arceaux. What I love when I travel is to blend in with the locals. The most practical thing about Montpellier is that everything is close by and accessible.”

Where Did You Stay in Montpellier?

“When we want a little more independence or when we’re travelling during little getaways, we opt for an apartment, a condo, or even a hotel. Otherwise, most of the time, we stay with our friend Georges. He has a big empire-style house, and the third floor is a little like our home now.”

Did You Feel Safe in Montpellier?

“Yes, I felt safe. France is the country of human rights, after all, so it’s considered a more open, more tolerant place.

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I stayed in the old part of Montpellier, a historic area where the first medical faculty in the West is located.

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That said, you can see that the city has changed over the years… Let’s just say that some neighbourhoods have become a little run-down. But despite everything, it remains safe. I feel like a local when I’m there. However, I wouldn’t walk alone after midnight in the streets of Montpellier.”

How’s the Food in Montpellier?

“What I appreciate the most is the freshness of the produce and the balance in the dishes. The fish market in Montpellier is impressive: it’s as big as any Metro or IGA back home, and quality is taken very seriously.

I also really love steak and meat in general. In the old part of Montpellier, there’s a restaurant that serves free-range French beef, and it’s way better than what we find elsewhere.

I also adore fish and shellfish, especially since we’re so close to several ports, less than 20 kilometres away, which guarantees super fresh products.”

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What Did You Enjoy Most About Montpellier?

“The unique charm of the city. Montpellier has that little ‘spark,’ this personality you feel in its well-maintained old buildings and its magnificent gardens, like the Jardin des Plantes or the Jardin de la Reine.

Montpellier is such a welcoming place. Everywhere I went, I never felt mistreated or unwelcome. This attention to heritage and the warmth of the people make the stay very pleasant.”

What Are Some Things That Shook Up Your Routine During the Trip?

“What really surprised me were the drivers. They drive very well, with a lot of respect and caution.

It’s really pleasant to get behind the wheel there, it completely changes the driving experience.”

Is the Cost of Living More Expensive in Montpellier or Less Than in Canada?

Groceries and restaurants:

“For restaurants, honestly, it’s a little more expensive than in Canada. But frankly, the quality is there, so it’s worth it. The food is fresh and well-made, you can taste that it has flavour, so it balances it out and makes up for it.

For groceries, it’s about the same, not much different. On the other hand, you can find a lot of local products that we don’t have at home, which adds a nice touch.”

Transportation:

“For the car, that’s changed over time. Before, I used to buy and resell Renault cars, but now, for a stay of less than a month, it doesn’t work anymore.

Recently, we’ve been renting from the same company, so we get discounts.

What you should know is that rentals aren’t cheap, especially when you book from Canada. The ideal solution for us is when our friend in France books for us. The prices that they quote are much lower, it’s crazy how much of a difference it makes!

A little tip: rent a manual car, it’s much cheaper than automatic ones. It saves quite a bit of money.”

Accommodation:

“For accommodation, we pay around $100 a night for two, often through Airbnb, which is reasonable.”

What Day Trips Do You Recommend in Montpellier?

“There are two that really stood out to me. First, the Pont de Millau, it’s an incredible thing: it’s one of the longest bridges in the world, suspended between two mountains.

Just 30 minutes from Montpellier, there’s Aigues-Mortes, a charming little town with lots of great restaurants where you can eat well. It’s perfect for a quiet day, just to enjoy the area a little.”

How Did You Stay in Touch With Family and Friends During Your Extended Stay in Montpellier?

“To stay in touch, I use an international plan with Vidéotron. It gives me 45GB of data and calls included, so it’s pretty easy to talk to family and friends. The phone works well even abroad, so it takes a lot of stress away.”

Did You Have Travel Insurance for This Long Trip in France? Did You Ever Need to Use It?

“Yes, I always get travel insurance with soNomad. It’s a good thing I’ve never had to use it, but it reassures me knowing we’re covered in case something goes wrong, especially when we’re away for so long.”

Finally, What Would You Say to Someone Who’s Thinking About Becoming a Snowbird but Still Hesitating?

“It’s totally doable, you just have to take some precautions. I’d recommend starting slowly, maybe with a two-week stay. That way, if you don’t like it, you’ve tested it without too much commitment. It lets you see if this lifestyle really suits you.”

Join Canadian Snowbirds Who Found Their Happiness in Montpellier

You too can treat yourself to a winter full of warmth, culture, and friendliness by settling down in Montpellier.

And don’t forget to get your travel insurance with a quick quote from soNomad before you leave, to cross that off your to-do list!