Museum of Old Montpellier

The Écusson district is famous for its private mansions. The Hôtel de Varennes, built and remodelled from the 14th to the 17th century, is the perfect place to dive into local history. This heritage-listed building is home to the Museum of Old Montpellier, which traces the city’s past through furniture, works of sacred art, portraits, weapons and even traditional French croquet sets. The rooms feature their original architecture, from stone blocks and exposed beams in the oldest ones, to mouldings and other period details in the 18th century salon. Don’t miss the Black Virgin, sculpted in the 13th century.