This lively zone has a 19th-century locomotive and a picturesque park with multisport amenities. Attend concerts in the theatres, go bowling or play mini-golf.

Prés d’Arènes is a fairly youthful area with a range of family activities and a concert hall. Still on display is a 19th-century train that historically travelled between the district and the Palavas beach resort. For a glimpse into the local community, get involved in the games, recitals and other activities in this lively area.

At the northern end of Prés d’Arènes is the Jam Concert Hall & Music School. Study the venue’s eclectic schedule and choose from acts playing jazz, funk and other genres. A short walk south, enjoy a glass of champagne as you wait to watch a play at the Théâtre la Chocolaterie. For late-night clubbing and dancing enjoy the lively dub, reggae and electro parties at the adjacent Melomane Club.

Find family activities on the western edge of the zone. Take the kids to the Goolfy miniature golf course or the Bowlingstar Montpellier, which has mini-lanes and billiard tables.

For a sense of the district’s history, visit the Train de Montpellier à Palavas. Take photos of the black train and its green carriage that historically transported beachgoers to the south coast. Today, the train is stationary, appearing as though ready to depart from the side of the Federico Garcia Lorca Library.

Opposite the train, see the fountain on a circular patch of grass, flowers and palm trees. Consider staying at one of the hotels in this area and go shopping in the vast Géant Casino hypermarket. Continue east for the scenic Parc de la Rauze, which has a sports complex for swimming, archery and cycling.

Prés d’Arènes is between La Croix d’Argent and la Céréirède in the southern part of Montpellier. Ride the tramline to Saint-Martin or Restanque on the northern border of the district and walk south to reach its centre. Drive further south for 10 minutes to reach the Palavas-les-Flots seaside resort.