Dating in Montpellier: Best Free Sites & Apps for English Speakers

Why Montpellier feels young

Few French cities have as strong a student identity as Montpellier. Its medical school is among the oldest in Europe, and today the universities and schools bring a very large student population to a city of moderate size. Add sunshine for most of the year, beaches a short tram and bus ride away, and a booming population of young newcomers, and you get a lively, casual and outdoor dating scene.

English is widely spoken among students and researchers, and international exchange students are a visible part of city life. Outside campus life, French dominates, and the southern pace of life means evenings start late and run long.

Dating apps first, then serious sites

With so many students, the free apps are the main dating marketplace in Montpellier. Tinder, Bumble and Hinge all have English interfaces and free chat with matches (Hinge limits the number of likes per day), and happn, which shows people you have crossed paths with, works well in a centre where everyone passes through the same squares.

Once you are past your student years, or simply want a relationship rather than a fling, the sites in our France ranking are worth a look:

• Meetic: our top-rated site, for serious relationships between 25 and 49. Profile, browsing and likes are free; messaging is €24.99/month. In French.
• eDarling: long-term relationships for the over-40s. Free personality test, compatible suggestions and smiles; photos and messages are paid (€14.90/month). In French.
• DisonsDemain: singles over 50, French interface, messaging at €16/month.
• DateMyAge: singles over 40, English interface, free registration and browsing, credits (€11.99) for messages and video chat.

Squares, beaches and campuses

The Place de la Comédie is the city’s huge central square and the obvious meeting point. Around it, the Écusson, the medieval old town, is a maze of narrow streets with bars, small restaurants and hidden squares that fill up in the evening. The Promenade du Peyrou, with its views and its aqueduct, is a favourite spot at sunset, and the Antigone district leads down towards the Lez river, where people walk and cycle.

The University of Montpellier and Paul-Valéry University both have international student offices and associations that run parties, outings and buddy schemes. Language exchanges are popular and easy to find on Meetup, and InterNations has a group in the city. In summer, social life moves to the beaches at Palavas-les-Flots and along the coast, and beach volleyball, cycling and kitesurfing are common shared hobbies.

Tips for a first date in Montpellier

Keep it relaxed. A drink on a square in the Écusson, an ice cream and a walk up to the Peyrou, or an afternoon at the beach are all very typical first dates. Students often split the bill, and few people expect an expensive restaurant early on.

Because so many people pass through Montpellier for a few years only, it helps to say in your profile whether you are settled or here for a semester. Meet in busy places, use the tram rather than walking alone late at night if you are unsure of the area, and be wary of profiles that quickly push you to another messaging app or ask for money.

Which site fits you in Montpellier?

Montpellier is one of France’s youngest-feeling cities, with a large student population and a sunny lifestyle. Apps work well here, and serious French sites are there when you want more.

Student on a budget

Tinder gives you free swiping and free chat with matches. Free tip: happn shows people you cross paths with around town, with free chat once you match.

Expat who doesn’t speak French yet

Hinge and Bumble work in English, both with free chat with matches. Free tip: on Hinge, the daily like limit keeps you selective.

New in town, 25-49, open to something serious

Meetic focuses on serious relationships in this age range and is in French. Free tip: create a profile, browse and send likes for free before paying for messages.

Something casual

Femme Libérée is free for women and asks men to pay for messaging, starting with a €1.04 trial; it is in French. Free tip: profile and browsing are free for everyone.

Dating in Montpellier: FAQ

Is Tinder popular in Montpellier?

Yes. With its large student population, Montpellier is a city where Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and happn are very widely used. All of them work in English with free chat once you match.

Is Montpellier good for meeting people as a foreign student?

Very much so. The universities have many international students and associations, and language exchange evenings and Meetup groups make it easy to build a social circle quickly.

Which dating site is best for a relationship in Montpellier?

Meetic is our top choice for serious relationships between 25 and 49, and eDarling suits singles over 40. Both are in French with paid messaging; DateMyAge is an English-language option for the over-40s.

Where do singles go out in Montpellier?

The Écusson old town and the area around the Place de la Comédie are the main nightlife zones, and in summer the beaches at Palavas-les-Flots are just as social.