Neighborhoods to avoid in Montpellier

Need to know if Montpellier is a dangerous city, to know the neighborhoods to avoid in Montpellier?

In fact, whatever the reason for your stay (tourism, studies, business), you want to stay in a safe and problem-free area.

Myself, I was faced with this problem when I programmed my little one tourist weekend in Montpellier.

Indeed, I had heard in the media that Montpellier is a sensitive city where insecurity is increasingly present.

So I did a study to identify the dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in Montpellier, the red-light districts and of course the nicest neighborhoods in the city.

Is Montpellier dangerous?

In recent years, the feeling of security in Montpellier has deteriorated significantly. According to the media, the number of attacks, urban violence and thefts has exploded just as much as drug trafficking.

But since you shouldn't believe everything the media say, I tried to check the figures for insecurity and violence in Montpellier compared to other cities in France for 2024.

While 2 years ago in the city-data ranking, Montpellier and the department of Hérault appeared in 17th position, in 2024 the trend will be reversed.

Indeed, this classification of 20 most dangerous cities in France, don’t mention Montpellier anymore!

But although its crime rate has fallen, it still remains very high. In fact, over 1 year the city recorded 19 crimes, misdemeanors and acts of delinquency.

Montpellier 5th most dangerous city in Europe

In 2024, according to the Numbeo site ranking of the most criminal cities in Europe, Montpellier is ranked in 5th position.

Its crime index is much higher than that of Naples, Nantes, Athens, Brussels, Barcelona ou Palermo !

This ranking confirms, unfortunately, that Montpellier is a city classified as dangerous compared to other cities inEurope.

Are tourists safe in Montpellier?

Tourists can visit Montpellier without fearing for their safety.

Indeed, crime in this city is caused by organized gangs or drug trafficking networks, which generate violence.

This type of crime does not take place on the tourist sites of Montpellier and therefore does not affect tourists.

However, as in all tourist towns, tourists are the target of thieves and scammers.

So, of course, tourists will have to remain careful and avoid the dangerous neighborhoods of Montpellier (see list below).

Most dangerous neighborhoods in Montpellier

To find your way around better, here is an interactive map which allows you to identify the dangerous neighborhoods of Montpellier and the areas to avoid (see list below): Google map

Taking into account the latest statistics, here are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Montpellier (higher crime rates):

• La Mosson and La Paillade
• The Cévennes district
• Montaubérault
• Figuerolles and Gambetta
• The area around Montpellier Station
• the red light districts of Montpellier

Here is more information on these neighborhoods and their Google maps locations:

La Mosson and La Paillade

La Mosson and La Paillade are 2 neighborhoods to avoid in the northwest of Montpellier. See location on Google Maps

Built about sixty years ago to house the black feet returning from Algeria, La Mosson and the Hauts de Massane have concentrated the most popular classes in its low-cost housing. By losing its social mix and with one of the highest unemployment rates in France, these neighborhoods have become the territory of drug traffickers and networks of all kinds. It is not uncommon to read in the news items of local newspapers the facts of shootings or settling of scores between rival gangs.

The Cevennes

The Les Cévennes district, classified as a priority, is located to the west of Montpellier. See location on Google Maps

It is a huge area formed by the Alco, La Martelle, La Chamberte and Le Petit-Bard districts. Even though these geographical areas include secure residential areas and social housing, there is a high level of delinquency.

Figuerolles and Gambetta

These 2 neighborhoods side by side in the city center were very quiet a few years ago, but today, it is the scene of drug trafficking day and night. See location on Google Maps

Residents of the Figuerolles district in particular complain about it because it creates serious safety and public health problems.

Between the Ecusson and Saint Roch

From the Ecusson district to the Saint Roch district around Montpellier train station, which is normally a tourist area, is also a place with a bad reputation at night.

Red light districts of Montpellier

Without being dangerous areas, here are the 2 areas to avoid in particular at night because they are poorly frequented, have a bad reputation and are unsavory:

• Assas Avenue
• Strasbourg Blvd.

Safest neighborhoods in Montpellier

Montpellier has many nice, safe and quiet neighborhoods. Here are the places in Montpellier where the most beautiful neighborhoods are located:

• Bourgeois, chic and clean, the Les Arceaux district is one of the most beautiful districts of Montpellier. It is there, in the heart of the historic center of Montpellier, that all the city's wealthiest people reside.
• The Boutonnet district adjoins the Les Arceaux district. It is a very popular upscale neighborhood because it is very commercial while remaining calm and quiet.
• Aiguelongue is also a very wealthy, essentially residential district halfway between the historic center of Montpellier and the cultural sites of the city.
• A little further out, the Beaux-Arts district attracts bohemian artists as well as senior executives.

Where to stay for a tourist stay?

Montpellier offers many safe and very nice neighborhoods to stay in. Here is an overview of the 2 favorite neighborhoods of tourists:

1. Antigone : Located next to the historic center, the Antigone district offers a unique blend of modern and classic architecture. It is a safe and pleasant area to stay in Montpellier.
2. Historical Center : The historic center of Montpellier is the most touristy district. With its cobbled streets and medieval atmosphere, it is a charming place to stay in peace.

For those who want to spend a little weekend there because Montpellier is a very, very beautiful city, I have a good address. Indeed, for visit Montpellier on foot, I advise them to take the hotel below located in the most beautiful areas of Montpellier (between Antigone and the historic center):

This post is a summary of the data published in 2024 on the districts of Montpellier (press, statistics and web rankings). It is this factual, non-judgmental information that I share with you below.