The Ancien Évêché, or Former Bishop's Palace, is a historic building in Montpellier, in the Occitania region of southern France. It stands in the heart of the city's historic centre, at Impasse Laurent, 34060 Montpellier, and was once the residence of the bishops of Montpellier.
What to expect
The building belongs to the city's medieval past, when the bishops of Montpellier held their seat here. Today it is best approached as a heritage landmark: a place to look at the architecture, to understand how the old centre was organised around its religious and civic institutions, and to take a slower look at a part of town that rewards walking.
Visiting the area
Because the Ancien Évêché sits within the historic centre, it fits naturally into a walk through the surrounding streets. Visitors often combine a stop here with other sights in the old town, planning the route on foot so they can take in the narrow lanes and the varied stonework as they go.
- Location: the historic centre of Montpellier, reached on foot from the rest of the old town.
- Type of visit: a heritage stop, suited to those interested in medieval architecture and the history of the city.
- Best paired with: a stroll through the surrounding historic streets.
If you are deciding whether to go, the Ancien Évêché is worth including if you want to understand Montpellier's older layers beyond its newer districts. Check the current situation before you travel, as access arrangements for heritage buildings can change.