The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs is a historic chapel in Montpellier, in the Occitania region of southern France. Dating from the 17th century, it was once the place of worship of a Brotherhood of White Penitents. Today the building serves as a cultural venue, so a visit is less about religious devotion and more about the building itself and what is shown inside it.
What to expect
The chapel hosts a changing programme of exhibitions, concerts and other artistic events. Because the programme varies, the best way to know what you will see is to check what is on during your stay before you go. Visitors interested in old architecture will find the chapel's age and former use worth noticing, while those who come for a performance or an exhibition will find a space shaped around the event.
- A 17th-century building with a past tied to a penitent brotherhood
- A venue for exhibitions, concerts and artistic events
- A setting that suits an evening or an afternoon in the city centre
Getting there and around
The chapel is in the heart of Montpellier, so it fits easily into a walk through the historic centre. Its listed address is Rue de la Villette in the 34570 postcode area. Once you have seen the chapel, the surrounding streets of the city offer more to explore on foot, and the centre is a comfortable base for an unhurried day.
If you enjoy places where an old building still has a working role, the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs is a good choice for a short visit.