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The city is situated on hilly ground 10 km (6 mi) inland from the Mediterranean coast, on the river Lez. The name of the city, which was originally Monspessulanus, is said to have stood for mont pelé (the naked hill, because the vegetation was poor), or le mont de la colline (the mount of the hill).
- Explore The Art and Architecture Along The City Streets
- Visit The Oldest Medical School in Europe
- Linger with A Coffee in Montpellier’s Squares
- See The City's North African Culture
- Cycle to The Beach For A Splash
- Shop For Local Food at The Arceaux Market
- Relax in The Jardin Des Plantes
- Watch The Setting Sun from Place Royale Du Peyrou
- Catch A Live Show
- Hit The Water of The Lagoons at Étang de Thau
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The best way to start exploring Montpellier is on foot. To get a feel for the rich past of Montpellier, saunter through the Ecusson quartier, where even locals can get lost in the narrow streets with honey limestone walls, whorled balconies and carved marble heads from the Belle Epoque. Enjoy the architecture of Cathédrale St-Pierre and the bustlin...
In the medieval era, Montpellier became famous for its Faculty of Medicine, and today, it's the oldest still-operating medical school in Europe, situated inside an impressive Benedictine monastery and dating back more than 800 years. You can take a guided tour, where you will learn about the history of medicine and teaching. In the entrance hall, a...
Locals often spend hours at a pavement terrace in one of the many squares dotted across the city. Each square has its own character and a different clientele, so sit back and enjoy some people-watching under the sun. For a square buzzing with activity, choose one of the cafes on the Place de la Comédie. Watch the shoppers and flâneursmeet beside th...
Montpellier has been home to a large Muslim population since the 1960s, and you can enjoy the many North African influences right in the city center. Walk up the cours Gambetta, past shops selling eclectic collections of spices and clay tagine dishes. Stock up on delicious baklava and date makroutesat the Delices de Carthage, then drink a mint tea ...
Hire a bike at one of the Vélomagg stations and cycle out to the nearby beaches. Start in Port Marianne for a 12km (7 miles) trip one way to Palavas. It is a great ride on a (mostly flat) path following the Lez river. The last stretch is beside the sparkling waters of the Méjean lagoon – look out for the vibrant pink of wading flamingos. Choose bet...
Open every Tuesday and Saturday morning, the marché des Arceauxis Montpellier’s biggest food market and an institution for locals, who go there for the freshest produce from the region and to bump into friends for long pavement chats. The market is under the impressive 18th-century St-Clément aqueduct and is always busy, with buskers and a passiona...
Wander down the paths of the Jardin des Plantes, France’s oldest botanical garden, a 5-hectare space that was created in 1593 as a scientific garden to support the research of the medical university. It’s a favorite of botanists, students, lovers, scientists and travelers and a delight through all the seasons. As you walk past the towering bamboo g...
This public garden and esplanadeis a favorite spot for locals and tourists at any time of the day. But the best time is in the evening, when the monuments are bathed in golden light, and the air is filled with the sounds of students playing guitars, the clack-clack of people playing pétanque, families talking in the evening air, skateboards and the...
Despite its small size, Montpellier has an active live arts scene, with dozens of venues across the city and a choice of several concerts and shows every night. To see what’s on, pick up a copy of Mama Sound, the guide for all concerts, or check the listings online. Two opera houses in the center offer shows for opera and classical music lovers. Ch...
Just south of Montpellier are the sparkling blue waters of Étang de Thau, a 5,000-hectare stretch of lagoons perfect for outdoor sports lovers and wind sports in particular, as they are shallow and sheltered with no chance of being blown out to sea. Local companies, such as Tramontana, offer wind- or wing-surfing lessons. The lagoons also have a hi...
Discover the history, culture and lifestyle of Montpellier, a vibrant city in the south of France. Explore its medieval streets, art and architecture, medical school, squares, North African influences and nearby beaches.
Montpelier (/ m ɒ n t ˈ p iː l j ər / mont-PEEL-yər) [6] [7] is the state capital of the U.S. state of Vermont and the county seat of Washington County. The site of Vermont's state government, it is the least populous state capital in the United States. [8]
Things to Do in Montpellier, France: See Tripadvisor's 221,997 traveler reviews and photos of Montpellier tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in November. We have reviews of the best places to see in Montpellier. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
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- Place de la Comédie and L'Écusson. This grand public square is the heart of Montpellier, a center of activity that is busy from daytime until late hours in the evening.
- Promenade du Peyrou. Just outside of Montpellier's historic center, the Promenade du Peyrou pays homage to France's celebrated Sun King with a monumental equestrian statue.
- Musée Fabre. Found within L'Écusson, this prestigious fine arts museum displays an exceptional collection of European sculptures and paintings from the medieval era to the contemporary period.
- Palais des Congrès de France. A hub for cultural events just outside of Montpellier's historic center, the modern Palais des Congrès de France provides a striking contrast to the city's older buildings.
France, Europe. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hôtels particuliers (private mansions), stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Best Things to Do.
Montpellier Tourism: Tripadvisor has 222,074 reviews of Montpellier Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Montpellier resource.
