Montpellier has hosted 30 Tour de France finishes, most of them won by sprinters, particularly in the 21st century, when victories have gone to Robbie McEwen in 2005, Robbie Hunter, who became the first African stage winner there in 2007, Mark Cavendish in 2011, and André Greipel in 2013. During the race’s last visit in 2016, a sprinter once again ruled the roost, but in an unusual scenario. Green jersey Peter Sagan broke away from the peloton with 12km to go and was followed by the Yellow Jersey of race leader Chris Froome, who subsequently consolidated his hold on first place in the overall classification.
- Stage town for the 33rd time
- Prefecture of the department of Hérault (34)
- Population: 303,000 (Montpelliérains et Montpelliéraines)