Under $100: Montpellier, France

The French city of Montpellier is famous for its gorgeous climate and vibrant student population.

For the best breakfast in town, go to Delecto, which specializes in healthy dishes heavy on fruits and vegetables ($10). With so much temptation in French cuisine, it’s best to start the day the healthy way.

Arc de Triomphe and Chateau d’Eau Palace © Kasto80 | Dreamstime

Take a walk down to the Arc de Triomphe, built in honor of the Sun King, Louis XIV, before strolling through the Old Town. Keep an eye out for St Peter’s Cathedral and pop in to the Anatomy Museum at the Medical School. The institution is the oldest of its kind in Europe and features a grisly selection of medical artifacts. A guided tour costs $15, but it’s worth it.

Emerge into daylight once more and head for lunch at L’Insense. This brasserie is run by the most famous chefs in Montpellier, the Pourcel twins, and allows you to sample their cuisine at more accessible prices than their other restaurants ($25).

Cathedral Saint-Pierre © Cynoclub | Dreamstime

In the afternoon, take a tram to the Odysseum development, a modern district with activities such as climbing and an ice rink, and then take in the ambitious architecture of Antigone. Ricardo Bofill designed this district that runs alongside the River Lez.

With a renewed appetite, go for dinner at Le Petit Jardin. This charming restaurant has a hidden garden that looks over the cathedral and the food is sublime ($30). After dinner, nip around the corner for cocktails at the trendy Chez Felix, where an arty crowd sips well-made drinks under bare lightbulbs.