Cœur de Ville en Lumières 2026 in Montpellier
Every autumn, Montpellier is transformed into a vast, luminous spectacle for the ‘Cœur de Ville en Lumières’ festival. From 12 to 14 November 2026, the historic centre becomes the setting for a unique sensory experience, where heritage engages with contemporary creativity. At the Hôtel Richer de Belleval, this magical spectacle continues in a refined setting, combining fine dining, cocktails and the Mediterranean art of living.
Cœur de Ville en Lumières 2026: Montpellier is bathed in light from 12 to 14 November
Over three evenings, from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm, the most iconic façades of the Écusson district will be illuminated by unique sound and light shows. The Opéra Comédie, the Musée Fabre, the Préfecture, the Aqueduc des Arceaux, the Hôtel Saint-Côme, the Arc de Triomphe and the Hôtel d’Aurès will serve as backdrops for visual creations devised by professionals and students from schools in Montpellier.
Among these creations, a piece by students from the Studio M school in Montpellier will enhance the Place de la Canourgue, adding a touch of freshness and creativity to this year’s event. Each monument will thus reveal a new identity, through the interplay of shadows, vibrant colours and immersive soundscapes. The city’s heritage is reimagined in a new light, inviting passers-by to look up and rediscover familiar places from a fresh perspective. This fusion of architectural heritage and contemporary creativity makes ‘Cœur de Ville en Lumières’ an unmissable event for experiencing Montpellier in a different way, through visual poetry, artistic emotion and shared community spirit.
Extend the magic of ‘Cœur de Ville en Lumières’ with a cocktail at L’Elytre bar
After an evening spent strolling through the illuminated streets of Montpellier, L’Elytre bar welcomes you into a warm and intimate atmosphere to prolong the magic of Cœur de Ville en Lumières. Its menu of creative cocktails, crafted from carefully selected spirits and fresh ingredients, invites you to explore and enjoy a convivial atmosphere. Accompanied by dishes to share, inspired by Mediterranean flavours, these cocktails offer a moment of tranquillity in the middle of the night – the perfect opportunity to chat about the light displays you’ve discovered throughout the evening.
Experience ‘Cœur de Ville en Lumières’ whilst enjoying an exceptional dinner at the Jardin des Sens
Just a stone’s throw from the screening venues, the Hôtel Richer de Belleval invites you to extend your evening in a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.
For a gourmet escape, the Jardin des Sens, the Michelin-starred restaurant run by brothers Jacques and Laurent Pourcel, offers exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, enhanced by carefully selected local produce. Each dish is an invitation to embark on a culinary journey, where the flavours of the south come together in an elegant and contemporary setting. Accompanied by a carefully curated wine list, this dinner offers a refined interlude to extend the ‘Cœur de Ville en Lumières’ experience in a setting where heritage and gastronomy converge.
A dazzling getaway in Montpellier: extend the magic at the Hôtel Richer de Belleval
After strolling amongst the projections and light displays, do pop into our establishment for a relaxing break.
A stay at the Hôtel Richer in Belleval means choosing an exceptional setting in which to experience ‘Cœur de Ville en Lumières’ in the very best possible conditions, combining 5-star comfort, refined cuisine and the Mediterranean way of life. Book your stay now and let yourself be swept away by the magic of Montpellier all lit up.
