Need to know if Montpellier is a dangerous city in 2025 and which neighborhoods to avoid in Montpellier? In fact, whatever the reason for your stay (tourism, studies, business), you want to stay in a safe and trouble-free neighborhood.

I myself faced this problem when I planned my short 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.

In 2025, according to the Numbeo website's ranking of the most crime-ridden cities in Europe, Montpellier is ranked 5th.

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

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

Are tourists safe in Montpellier?

Tourists can visit Montpellier without fear for their safety provided they take a few precautions.

Indeed, crime in this city is the work of organized gangs or drug trafficking networks, which generates violence. However, this type of crime does not occur in Montpellier's tourist sites and therefore does not directly affect tourists.

However, as in all tourist cities, tourists are a target for thieves and scammers. Therefore, of course, tourists should remain cautious and avoid the dangerous neighborhoods of Montpellier (see list below).

Most dangerous neighborhoods in Montpellier

To help you find your way around, here is an interactive map that allows you to identify dangerous neighborhoods in Montpellier and areas to avoid (see list below): Google Maps

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 two neighborhoods to avoid in northwest 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 area, is located 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 two adjacent neighborhoods in the city center were quite peaceful a few years ago, but today they are 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 short weekend there, as Montpellier is a very, very beautiful city, I have a great recommendation. In fact, to explore Montpellier on foot , I suggest staying at the hotel below, located in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Montpellier (between Antigone and the historic center):