Montpellier is a great place to be based for a long term rental in France. It is located close to the Mediterranean coast, it is a short drive to the Mountains, it is situated within the largest wine region in the World and has a fantastic transport network.

Montpellier is the fastest growing city in France and it has everything you need for a long stay in France. It has some of the best hospitals in France, a beautiful old city centre, stunning architecture, a booming high tech industry hub and a vibrant cultural scene.

Montpellier is located in the South of France in the old Languedoc region, which borders Provence in the North East, and the Spain in the South. Montpellier is just 10 km from the Mediterranean coast and 1 hour 20 mins from the Spanish border. The city is 2 hours West from Marseille and 3 hours South from Lyon.

Along with Nimes, Montpellier is probably the most vibrant city in the Languedoc region of Southern France. During 2022, Montpellier overtook Strasbourg to become France's 7th biggest city. What is remarkable is that Montpellier has now doubled in size since 1960 and now has 275,000 inhabitants living in the compact area of the city.

However, rental properties in Montpellier are in high demand and there is often a shortage of suitable properties in the city. There are 3 Universities in Montpellier, as well as large Medical facilities - so there are a lot of students, Doctors and nurses all looking for apartments and houses to rent. In the North of the City there is an International School and in the surrounding villages and suburbs it can be very difficult to find properties to rent. The rental prices are quite high in Montpellier compared to the rest of the region and the local government has had to take steps to regulate the local Airbnb rental market because this is seen as taking out a lot of the housing stock previously reserved for long term rentals.

Montpellier capital of Southern France

L'Espiguette beach Montpellier FranceStarting off life as an old University town, Montpellier grew to be an important medieval commercial centre, rivalling only Paris in size by the end of the 13th Century.

In recent years, Montpellier has become an important high tech business centre for Languedoc. University spin-offs and international investment have transformed the Antigone quarter of the city into a wonderful 21st Century business district. This forms a good contrast to the 17th Century mansions of Montpellier's old town in the Les Arceaux district.

Montpellier is a buzzing, dynamic, youthful, bright, and cultured City. Montpellier's shops are excellent and so are the restaurants. There is also the internationally acclaimed Musee Fabre, Montpellier's Modern Art Museum.

Montpellier also has a wonderful Zoo, a Planetarium, an excellent Aquarium, a large botanical garden, a fantastic modern tram system and beaches a short bus ride away.  The nearest beaches (at Palavas and Carnon) are not much to write home about, but if you venture to the north of La Grande Motte, then you will find one of the best beaches in the South of France. L'Espiguette Plage is located on the outskirts of Le Grau de Roi and is an amazing beach, with big sand dunes at the back of it. You also get some big rollers coming off the sea - which is very unusual for the Mediterranean.

Montpellier has its own airport with direct connections to a number of European capital cities. What more could you want from a city?

Montpellier long term rental properties France in 2024

Le Grau de Roi near Montpellier

If you are looking for long term rental properties in France, where you can experience some culture and a bit of life all year around, then Montpellier is a good option to consider. Finding rental properties in Montpellier itself is not always easy. There are 3 universities in Montpellier pulling in more than 70,000 students each year. The University Hospital of Montpellier employs around 11,000 people and there are many digital and bio-medical start-ups in the City. All of this puts tremendous pressure on housing, even without the Airbnb properties for summer rentals. As a result rental prices in Montpellier can be almost double the regional average and properties will go very quickly. My son studies Medicine at Montpellier and when we were looking for an apartment for him, we found that unless you visited a property on the day it was first advertised, then it was likely to be rented.

So my advice would be to base yourself in a town or village close to Montpellier, with transport connections into the city. The rental will be cheaper and there will be less pressure on the availability.

Here we feature 9 popular long term rental properties close to Montpellier which are currently available for rent during 2024:

1. La Bergerie 4 bed property for long term rental France (Ref: 1751)

La Bergerie is a lovely restored property with original features such as exposed wooden beams and preserved stone walls. The property comes with 4 bedrooms, private pool, large garden and parking. The property is available for long term rentals from €1000 pcm + bills. The property is located close to the A75 motorway, which provides easy access to Montpellier, Beziers, Narbonne and the Mediterranean coast. This long term rental property comes with:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Large garden
• Private swimming pool
• Parking
• Large open plan living room

This long term rental property close to Montpellier is available for rentals from January 2023. The monthly rental price will vary according to length of stay.

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2. Chez Armelle - Montpellier apartment for long term rentals France (Ref: 2053)

Chez Armelle is a 3 bedroom apartment for long term rentals, located in a quiet residential area of the South France city of Montpellier. The apartment is is ideal for longer stays in France, with excellent transport connections, a garden, good Wi-Fi and parking.

The apartment is located in the Northern suburbs of Montpellier, close to the popular neighbourhood of Aiguelongue and the hospital district. There is a tram stop close to the property.

The property comes with:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Large open plan living room
• Private garden
• Shared swimming pool
• Private parking

Available for long term rentals for 3-9 months from €2000 per month + bills. Higher prices will apply to rentals during July and August.

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3. Wooden villa rental property in France, Corconne near Montpellier (Ref: 1237)

This long term villa rental property in France is located in the village of Corconne, 25 mins from Montpellier. This eco-friendly villa has recently been modernised and comes with a fantastic views over the vineyards in the Pic Saint Loup wine region. The villa is also close to the beautiful village of Sauve, full of restaurants and shops.

Situated on a hillside, this villa is an 'upside down house' with the main bedrooms on the ground floor with direct access to the pool terrace. The living rooms are up on the first floor and provide wonderful views in all directions. The open plan living room/kitchen and dining room has comfortable seating, WiFi internet and satellite TV. The kitchen is equipped with oven, hob, fridge freezer, dish washer and washing machine. The kitchen comes with an island with seating. The dining room table comes with 8 chairs.

This wonderful long term rental property in France comes with:

• 4 bedrooms, including the Master suite with en suite shower room and dressing. 
• 2 further bathrooms
• large wooden deck
• private pool
• stunning views
• walking distance to shop, boulangerie and restaurant

This stylish long term rental property is available for monthly rentals between October and April each year. The monthly rental price is €1500 + bills.

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4. Meze apartment for long term let South of France (Ref: 144)

This lovely one bedroom waterfront apartment in Meze, South France is available for a long term winter lets between September to June each year. The apartment is located in the coastal town of Meze, which is South of Montpellier. Meze is famous for its Oysters and Mussels, which are grown in the Etang du Thau salt water lagoon. It is also a popular centre for water sports and sailing. The apartment is beautifully finished and comes with all mod cons including secure entry and elevators (suitable for the elderly or disabled). The apartment features:

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Large terrace with waterside views
• Ground floor location (suitable for elderly or people with restricted mobility)
• Air conditioning (reversible for heating)
• Secure underground parking
• Wifi internet and satellite TV channels

This large house to rent just north of Montpellier, is available for monthly rentals for 3-12 months. The monthly rent will depend on duration of stay.

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5. Stone cottage for long term rentals Herault France Ref: 1912

A renovated 15th Century stone cottage for long term rentals in Herault, France. This pet-friendly long term rentals property is located in the charming village of Montpeyroux, just 20 mins from Montpellier. Montpeyroux is a popular wine-making village close to St-Guilhem-les-Desert, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Within walking distance you have 3 restaurants, 2 cafe-bars, a shop, butcher, boulangerie and other services. Montpeyroux is a very-friendly and open village. This stunning renovated property comes with a courtyard garden, parking, and a beautiful lounge with a vaulted stone ceiling. 

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Enclosed courtyard garden
• Pet-friendly
• Reversible air-conditioning
• WiFi

This stone cottage is available to rent from €750 pcm + bills. The property will accept pets through prior agreement.

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6. Jonquières - 3 bed villa for monthly rentals South France (Ref: 2097)

This lovely villa in Jonquières is the perfect place to spend a few months in Southern France. Inside the villa is modern and comfortable. Outside there are beautiful views over the vineyards. Jonquières is a pretty village with a long history of wine-making. There are 8 different vineyards located in the village (all selling wine at local prices).

The neighbouring village of St Felix de Lodez has a good range of shops and facilities and is an easy bike ride or 20 minute walk. The market towns of Clermont l'Herault and Gignac are both 10 mins drive and the cosmopolitan city of Montpellier is located just 25 mins away.

This spacious villa comes with 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, private off-road parking, garden and lovely views.

• 3 double bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• Air conditioning (reversible) 
• 25 mins to Montpellier
• Fitted kitchen + washing machine 
• WiFi and flat screen TV
• Swimming pool
• Quiet and peaceful area

This house is available to rent from October 2023 to March 2024. The guide rental price is €1000 per month + bills.

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7. Maison des Vins long term rental house Montagnac South France (Ref: 501)

If you are looking for a comfortable long term rental house in South France, then Maison des Vins is the ideal rental property. Inside the house is spacious and sleeps 6 people in 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Outside there is an enclosed garden with private pool, a terrace for dining al-fresco and garage parking. All the local amenities are a short walk from the house. The beach at Meze is 10 minutes by car.

Maison des Vins is located in the small town of Montagnac near the Mediterranean coast and close to the historic town of Pezenas and 30 kms south of Montpellier in South France.

Available for long term rentals during October to June from €1200 per month + bills. Minimum stay is 3 months, not available over summer months. The villa comes with:

• 3 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms/shower rooms
• 8m x 4m private pool
• WiFi and flat screen TV
• Private garden
• Easy access to A75 motorway
• Off-road parking

This villa for long term rentals in  Pezenas is available for long term rentals from April 2023 to June 2023 and from Sept 2023 to June 2024 (it is reserved for weekly rentals during June to August). The monthly rental price is €1200 pcm + bills.

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8. Montpeyroux pet-friendly long term rentals Herault France sleeps 2 Ref: 1812

This lovely villa near Montpellier, South France, is available for long term rentals all year around from €650 per month + bills. The property is located on the edge of the village of Montpeyroux, a wine-producing village just 20 mins from the cosmopolitan city of Montpellier. The village is surrounded by vineyards and beautiful countryside. The village has a good range of local services including a shop, restaurant and cafe-bar.

The property provides:

• 1 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• Enclosed courtyard garden
• Well-equipped kitchen + washing machine
• Parking
• Walking distance to bar, restaurants and shop

This property  in Montpeyroux is a good choice if you are looking for comfortable rental accommodation in the South of France. The villa provides easy access to Montpellier and is surrounded by excellent walking and cycling routes. Montpeyroux is a good base if you are on a house-hunting trip or looking to spend an extended sabbatical in France. Surrounding the property there is beautiful countryside and total peace and quiet, except for the crickets chirping

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9. Montpellier long term rentals villa South France Ref: 1777

A beautiful long term rentals villa in the up-market village of Castries, situated on the Northern edge of Montpellier in Southern France. This modern villa comes with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a private heated pool, garden, a purpose-built home office and superfast fibre internet. The pretty village of Castries provides all the local services you will need (all within walking distance). The villa is very handy for the International School in Baillargues, as well as access to Montpellier airport, the A9 motorway and the TGV train. You can also be in the centre of Montpellier (Place de la Comédie) in 15 mins.

This modern 2 storey villa is situated in a quiet residential area on the South Eastern edge of the village. The villa is located on a 500 m2 plot and comes with a private pool and garden. Inside, the villa provides 135m2 of living space.

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Private swimming pool
• Parking
• Home office/studio apartment

Available for annual rentals from €1800 per month + bills.

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Looking to rent a house in Montpellier, France . . . ?

We make the process of renting a house in and around Montpellier very straightforward. We personally visit the properties we advertise on Long term rentals in France, so we can answer most of your questions about the layout of the house and the locality. We can also arrange visits to the houses if you prefer. The rental process is very simple. You just need to provide copies of ID and proof of ability to pay the rent. Our rental contracts are written in both French and English and all you need to do to secure your rental dates is to pay a one month security deposit. Most of our rentals are for 3-6 months, but we also provide properties for annual rental as well. For more information about how to find a house for rent in Montpellier, France:

Read our article on the Moving to France with your family and How to rent a house in France

Visit all the long term rental properties in Montpellier available to rent on Long term rentals in France

Read about Where to rent in France long term to find the best locations, towns and villages

Contact Iain by Email if you have any particular questions you would like to ask about living in the South of France.