The Var winger Thomas Salles missed the victory penalty after the siren and leaves some regrets in Toulon.
Philippe Saint-André's team is three points ahead of Bordeaux-Bègles, which travels to Clermont on Sunday.
Montpellier had not occupied the place of leader since the 2017-2018 season spent in the lead almost from start to finish.
Toulon, engaged in an unprecedented race to maintain, grabs a point to return to the height of Brive (11th) and increases its lead over the barrage Perpignan to three points.
At the start of the final sprint, and another late match against La Rochelle next week, the RCT has recovered the third line international and captain of the France team Charles Ollivon.
Recovered from a rupture of the cruciate ligaments of the knee contracted on June 5 against Castres, he played for more than half time (49th).
More pragmatic, more efficient at the front, Montpellier has adapted better to the torrential rains that fell on the Hérault.
In the absence of Italian international Paolo Garbisi, the young opening half Louis Foursans-Bourdette allowed Montpellier to be in the lead for a long time and lead by twelve points (18-6) in the 54th minute.
In the 73rd minute, Toulon fully revived thanks to a penalty try and a yellow card inflicted on Montpellier back Anthony Bouthier.
The RCT had to be satisfied with the defensive bonus.
© 2022 AFP