The Arc de Triomphe in Montpellier is a triumphal arch built in the late 17th century in honour of Louis XIV. Its formal name is Porte du Peyrou, and it opens onto the Promenade du Peyrou, a tree-lined park with a statue of the king on horseback. Book a guided climb to the top for views across the city. Rue Foch leads to the arch from the old town, and the streets nearby have shops and cafés for a stroll afterwards.
Why it is called the Arc de Triomphe
The arch's formal name is Porte du Peyrou, but locals and visitors often use the name Arc de Triomphe. It is a smaller arch than the one in Paris. Its design is modelled on the Porte Saint-Denis in Paris.
The arch stands on Rue Foch, a wide avenue cut through the medieval fabric of the city. Walking from the old town, you reach it before the park opens up behind it.
Design and history
The arch was designed by François d'Orbay, a student of Mansart. It was built in the late 17th century in honour of Louis XIV and stands on the site of one of the gates of the old city ramparts.
The façade was completed with carvings that commemorate four major events from the reign of Louis XIV, a work finished in 1715. Some of the sculptures and decorations on the arch identify it as a war memorial.
Reliefs and the Sun King
The bas-reliefs on the arch show the main episodes of Louis XIV's reign, which is why he is called the Sun King. Take time to look at them closely, as the carvings are the main reason to stop beneath the arch.
Beyond the arch, the Promenade du Peyrou holds a statue of Louis XIV on horseback. The equestrian statue sits in the centre of the park, facing the Château d'Eau.
Climbing to the top
The climb to the top is done on a guided visit. The tourist office sells the tickets, and booking ahead is recommended. One recent account put the cost at five euros per person, so check the current price with the office before you go.
The route involves about 90 steps, so plan for a steady pace. From the top, you see the city laid out around you. On some visits, the tour ends with a tasting of local wines at the top of the arch.
Around the arch
Walk the Promenade du Peyrou to the Château d'Eau, an 18th-century water tower beside a pond. At the far end of the park, the Aqueduc Saint-Clément, completed in 1754, runs along the ground.
The cycle path passes under the arch and links the historic centre with the Peyrou gardens. Riding it at sunset is one of the most pleasant ways to reach the park.
Visiting with children or limited mobility
The site is listed as good for children. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. The climb to the top involves steps, so visitors with limited mobility should plan that part of the visit in advance.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee for the Arc de Triomphe in Montpellier?
The climb to the top has been booked through the tourist office at five euros per person. Check the current price with the office before you go.
How do I climb to the top?
The climb is done on a guided visit, and tickets are sold through the tourist office. Booking ahead is recommended.
Is the Arc de Triomphe in Montpellier the same as the one in Paris?
No. It is a smaller arch, modelled on the Porte Saint-Denis in Paris, and its formal name is Porte du Peyrou.
Is the Arc de Triomphe in Montpellier good for children?
The site is listed as good for children. The climb to the top involves about 90 steps.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. The climb to the top involves steps.
