5. Montpellier – Budget-Friendly Attractions
Safari the traveler, a jovial Kenyan gentleman with an infectious laugh, found himself in the charming city of Montpellier, France. Alongside him was his wife Leah, a vibrant 27-year-old from Rio de Janeiro whose passion for travel was only rivaled by her love for tropical fruits. With a tight budget in mind and spirits high, they embarked on a whimsical journey through the city, ready for adventure.
Walk around Place de la Comédie, the city’s lively main square.
Hike up to Promenade du Peyrou for a free city view.
Visit Jardin des Plantes, one of France’s oldest botanical gardens.
Enjoy the Mediterranean beaches nearby (some accessible by tram).
Their first stop was the iconic Place de la Comédie, Montpellier’s lively main square. “Leah,” Safari exclaimed, eyes sparkling like the Mediterranean sun, “can you believe this place? It’s like the whole city gathered here for a party every day!” The couple strolled through the bustling square, watching street performers entertain passersby while sharing generous portions of laughter. Leah, feeling the infectious energy, suggested they snap a few silly selfies, all the while trying to balance their overstuffed backpacks filled with travel goodies. Watching them try to pose without dropping their sandwiches made for quite the humorous scene, drawing smiles from locals and tourists alike.
Next on their itinerary was a hike up to the Promenade du Peyrou, an elevated expanse with panoramic views of the city. “Let’s challenge ourselves!” Safari grinned, leading the way. “Whoever gets there first owes the other a dessert!” Despite his long strides, Leah’s spirited determination propelled her forward, and they raced up the path, laughter echoing against the historic backdrop. Once they reached the top, they paused to catch their breath, both awestruck by the breathtaking views below. “Look at that, Safari! It’s like we’re on top of the world!” Leah gasped, her eyes shining. As they admired the scenery, they felt that they had struck gold—an unforgettable experience, completely free!
Following their exhilarating ascent, they decided to visit the Jardin des Plantes, one of France’s oldest botanical gardens. “You know, Leah, I hear this place has plants older than my grandmother!” Safari teased as they entered the green sanctuary. The lush greenery enveloped them, different shades of green weaving a tapestry that felt like a dream. They wandered hand in hand, discovering rare flowers and unique plants. Leah plucked a fragrant leaf to smell, declaring it her new favorite scent. They even stumbled upon a quaint little pond filled with amphibious friends who seemed to have a knack for photobombing. After several silly shots with their frog companions, they left the garden feeling rejuvenated, their hearts light and joyful.
After all that strolling and snapping, it was time to refuel with some local delicacies—and of course, keep it budget-friendly! They made their way to a bustling street vendor to taste the renowned Tielle Sétoise, described as a spicy seafood pie. “Wow, just 5 euros for this culinary delight?” Safari exclaimed, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets as they dug into their first bites. The combination of flavors was an explosion of happiness in their mouths. “If we could bottle this up and take it home, I’d share it with everyone back in Kenya!” he joked, as Leah rolled her eyes, playfully letting him know she had dibs on the last piece.
As the day progressed, they found themselves at the Marché des Arceaux, a vibrant market where fresh fruits and snacks beckoned from every stall. “Oh honey, look at those mangoes! They remind me of home!” Leah squealed, rushing over to their bright display. The couple spent their afternoon sampling juicy fruits and delectable local bites, sharing laughter and stories with the friendly vendors. Safari playfully bartered over the price of a particularly charming bunch of grapes, adopting a critical pose, arms crossed, pretending to be a tough negotiator. Leah couldn’t help but giggle, contributing her own melodramatic flair to the act.
As the sun began to set on their wondrous escapade, the couple sought a place to lay their heads. They approached The People Hostel Montpellier, where cheerful humming and the scent of fresh bread filled the air. “Look, only 25 to 45 euros a night! Perfect for our adventure budget!” Leah noted, doing a little dance at the idea of saving money. They booked a cozy bunk bed in a vibrant room filled with other young travelers, each with their own story to share, making it feel like a big, happy family.
As their budget-friendly day came to a close, they couldn’t help but smile at the rich experiences they had gathered—an array of sights, flavors, and the delightful remnants of laughter that echoed in their hearts. With their pockets still jangling and their bellies full, Safari and Leah drifted off to sleep, dreaming of more adventure, more laughter, and, of course, more Tielle Sétoise. Montpellier had truly captured their souls, showcasing that travel doesn’t have to break the bank—it just needs a little bit of love, laughter, and a partner ready to explore the world together.
We would have stayed in Montpellier to discover more wonders…
But we had to go to: