Montpellier

Montpellier, the capital of France's Hérault department, is a city where you can walk through medieval streets in the Écusson district or relax in the lively Place de la Comédie. You can admire European art at the Musée Fabre or enjoy the Mediterranean climate in the Promenade du Peyrou. With its large student population and proximity to beaches, Montpellier appeals to those interested in culture, history, and outdoor activities.

Exploring the Historic Écusson

The Écusson forms the core of Montpellier. This medieval district consists of narrow, winding streets lined with 17th and 18th-century mansions. As you walk through the area, you'll come across small courtyards, cafes, and boutique shops. The Place de la Comédie, nicknamed "l'Œuf" by locals due to its oval shape, is the main square and meeting point in the city. Here, you can watch street performers, have a coffee at one of the many terraces, or observe the active atmosphere.

Musée Fabre: A Large Collection of European Art

The Musée Fabre contains one of France's largest art collections outside of Paris. The museum's galleries display European art from the 14th to the 21st centuries. You'll see works by artists such as Rubens, Poussin, Courbet, and Bazille. The museum also has a significant collection of contemporary art, including pieces by Pierre Soulages. You might need a few hours to explore the galleries and temporary exhibitions.

Promenade du Peyrou and the Royal Square

The Promenade du Peyrou showcases 17th-century architecture. This elevated park provides views of the city and, when the weather is clear, the Pyrenees mountains. At the entrance, you'll see the Porte du Peyrou, a triumphal arch built to honor Louis XIV. The promenade leads to the Royal Square, where an equestrian statue of Louis XIV stands. At the far end of the square, there's an 18th-century water tower, which was once the endpoint of the Saint-Clément Aqueduct.

Jardin des Plantes: Montpellier's Botanical Garden

The Jardin des Plantes offers a calm environment away from the city streets. Established in 1593, this botanical garden is the oldest in France and contains over 2,500 plant species from around the world. You can walk along the shaded paths, look at the exotic greenhouses, or sit on a bench surrounded by old trees. In spring, many flowers bloom, adding color to the garden.

Beaches and Coastal Trips

While Montpellier isn't on the coast, you can reach Mediterranean beaches easily. The closest beach, Palavas-les-Flots, is 12 km from the city center and takes about 20 minutes by bus. There, you can relax on long sandy beaches, try water sports, or eat fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants. For a less developed setting, go to Espiguette Beach in Le Grau-du-Roi, known for its dunes and long shoreline.

Local Cuisine and Wine

Montpellier's food reflects its Mediterranean location and surrounding farmland. You can try local dishes like tielle (an octopus pie), brandade de morue (a salt cod dish), or pélardon (a goat cheese from the nearby Cévennes). The city is also a good starting point for exploring the Languedoc wine region. Many wine bars in the city center let you taste local wines, including the full-bodied reds of Pic Saint-Loup and the crisp whites of Picpoul de Pinet.

Getting Around Montpellier

Montpellier has an efficient public transportation system. The modern tram network, with its colorful, artist-designed trams, links major points of interest in the city. Four tram lines cover 56 kilometers, making most areas of the city easy to reach. Montpellier is also good for cycling, with many bike paths and a bike-sharing system called Vélomagg'. For longer trips, the Saint-Roch train station connects to other major French cities and Barcelona.