St Peter Cathedral, known in French as Saint-Pierre, is Montpellier's Gothic cathedral and the city's principal church. It stands on Rue Saint-Pierre in the old quarter of the city, in the Occitania region of southern France, and is easy to reach on foot from the centre.
What to look at outside
The first thing many visitors notice is the porch. It has a fortress-like character, flanked by two massive conical pillars that give the façade an unusual and striking presence. Take a moment to stand back and look at the whole front before going in.
Inside the cathedral
Step through the doors to find a vast nave and an architecture that is imposing and sober rather than ornate. The building was once part of a medieval monastery, and that origin shapes its serious, austere feel. It suits a visit of quiet looking rather than a quick stop.
Why visit
- See a Gothic church with a distinctive, fortress-like porch.
- Walk through a large, open nave with a calm, sober atmosphere.
- Combine the visit with a stroll through the historic streets around it.
The cathedral makes a natural part of a day exploring the old town of Montpellier, where the streets nearby offer more to discover on foot.