65 TOUR – Le Retour 2026 is an event held in Montpellier, in the Occitania region of southern France, on December 11 and 12, 2026. Described as bringing a lively seasonal energy to the city, it makes a good reason to visit Montpellier in the winter months, when many travellers picture the south only in summer.
What to expect
The event is billed as a festival, and its main draw is the atmosphere it adds to the city over two days in December. Because the details of the programme are not set out here, it is worth checking the organisers' listings closer to the date for the specific activities, venues and timings.
Making a day of it
The event pairs well with the rest of the city. Consider:
- A slow walk through the historic Écusson, the old centre of Montpellier, with its narrow streets and older buildings.
- A café stop on Place de la Comédie, the central square and one of the city's best-known meeting points.
- An unhurried lunch or coffee, in keeping with the southern French pace that gives Montpellier its appeal.
Montpellier is a city people return to throughout the year, and this festival offers a seasonal reason to plan a winter visit. Allow time to wander between the festival and the old town, and let the city's cafés and squares set the rhythm of the trip.