Montpellier Population and Area (Hérault)

Montpellier: Population and Area

With 313,712 inhabitants (INSEE total population in force on January 1, 2026), Montpellier is the 7^th most populous town in France in 2026 and the most populous in the Hérault department, out of 341 communes. It covers 57 km² (870^th largest area in France, 8^th largest in the department), with a population density of 5,515 inhabitants per km², or 50 times the national average (110 inhabitants/km²), which ranks it 121^st in France for density.

Montpellier is located in the Hérault department (34), in the Occitanie region (formerly Languedoc-Roussillon), where it ranks 2^nd by population out of 4,446 communes. It is the most populous town in the Hérault department, which is home to 1,248,501 people over 6,101 km².

See the full ranking of communes in the Hérault department and the regional ranking: largest city in Occitanie.

Towns of similar size in the Hérault department: Béziers (pop. 82,629), Sète (pop. 45,901), Agde (pop. 30,340).

Sources: INSEE, official population figures in force on January 1, 2026 (total population); areas: IGN / Observatoire des territoires; INSEE code 34172. Rankings are calculated across the 34,858 communes of metropolitan and overseas France in our database.

Montpellier is a city in the Hérault department, in the Occitanie region. It has about 290,000 inhabitants and is the seventh most populous city in France. Montpellier is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, as well as for its economic and academic vitality.

The city has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, and it has been shaped by the influence of many peoples and cultures. Today, Montpellier is a cosmopolitan city, open to the world, with a diverse and multicultural population.

Montpellier is also a major university city, with several renowned institutions of higher education, notably the University of Montpellier, one of the oldest universities in Europe. This makes it a dynamic, lively city with a rich cultural life and many events throughout the year.

The city is also known for its impressive architecture, with historic sites such as the Place de la Comédie, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Tour de la Babote and much more. Visitors can also enjoy museums, gardens, parks and green spaces, as well as cultural and artistic events.

Montpellier is also economically dynamic, with a booming service sector, particularly in technology, research and development, healthcare, tourism and services. This makes it an attractive city for businesses and investors, as well as for students and skilled workers.

Finally, Montpellier is ideally located, close to the Mediterranean beaches and the Cévennes mountains. It offers a pleasant, friendly living environment, with a sunny, mild climate all year round.

In short, Montpellier is a dynamic, cultural and economically vibrant city with a rich history and an exceptional heritage. It is a cosmopolitan university city, open to the world, with a high quality of life and many assets.