Montpellier is a lively city in the south of France. Its great mix of old world charm and modern luxury gives Montpellier much to offer tourists, including many historical sites, beautiful buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
Walkway along the Peyrou
It has excellent views of the city and the countryside beyond. The park is home to the beautiful Peyrou Water Tower from the 18th century and the figure of Louis XIV riding a horse. Take a walk along the roads lined with trees, have a picnic, or enjoy the stunning views.
Cathedral of Montpellier (Cathédrale Saint Pierre)
People interested in history and buildings should see Montpellier Cathedral, also known as Cathédrale Saint Pierre. When it was first built in the 1400s, this Gothic church had two huge towers and a porch held up by two massive columns. The inside is just as impressive, with its vast altar and elaborate stained-glass windows. There is peace in the church, where you can think and enjoy the beauty of old buildings.
The Musée Fabre
It is one of France’s most important art museums, so art fans should visit it. The painter François Xavier Fabre opened the museum in 1825. It has an extensive collection of European paintings, statues, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the present day. Some of the best paintings are by Delacroix, Courbet, and Bazille.
Garden of Plants
The Jardin des Plantes is France’s oldest floral garden. It was founded in 1593 and is a great place to escape the city’s noise and chaos. This peaceful haven is more than 4.5 hectares big and is home to thousands of plant types from all over the world. Explore the different areas, like the greenhouses, the medicinal plants yard, and the nursery. Nature lovers will love the garden, a great place to walk or read peacefully on a Sunday afternoon.
Antigone Town District
The Antigone District is a great place to get a feel for current Montpellier. This district was built in the late 20th century by the Spanish builder Ricardo Bofill. It has a neoclassical style and grand architecture. The wide boulevards, fountains, and open areas make the atmosphere unique and warm. The Esplanade de l’Europe in the city center is a great spot to unwind, and you can take a nice walk along the banks of the nearby Lez River. There are also a lot of shops, bars, and a busy market in the Antigone District.
The Castle of Flaugergues
The Château de Flaugergues is a beautiful manor house from the 17th century that is close to the city center and surrounded by lawns and vineyards. There are guided walks of the château that show you its beautifully decorated rooms, such as the library and the grand salon. The grounds are fun because they have well kept lawns, fountains, and an orangery. The on site farm is excellent for wine lovers because you can try and buy local wines. The Château de Flaugergues is a great place to learn about history, enjoy nature, and eat.
The Charles de Gaulle Esplanade
The Esplanade Charles de Gaulle is a long, tree lined walkway right next to the Place de la Comédie that’s great for taking it easy. With bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops on both sides of the esplanade, it’s a great spot to stop and watch people. Many fairs and events occur here throughout the year, making it lively. This path goes to the modern Corum, an opera and conference hall, and the beautiful gardens of the Champ de Mars.
Zoological Park of Montpellier
The Montpellier Zoological Park is one of the most prominent zoos in France and an excellent place for a family trip. The park is 80 hectares big and is home to more than 1200 animals from 135 different kinds. The zoo’s large enclosures are meant to look like natural environments so that animals can learn and protect the environment. The African savanna, the Amazonian greenhouse, and the lemur display are some of the best parts. The park has dining areas, playgrounds, and walking paths, making it a great place to spend the day with kids.
Place Janet Jarès
Place Jean Jaurès is another lively area that you should check out. This busy square is in the historical center, surrounded by cafes, bars, and restaurants people from all over the world like to hang out and rest with a meal or drink. The square is always busy with events and live music, which makes it feel even more alive. It’s also close to several historical sites, which makes it an easy place to stop while you look around the city.
Aquarium of the Mare Nostrum
The Aquarium Mare Nostrum is an excellent place for kids and adults to explore the world underwater. The aquarium has a lot of sea life from all over the world and educational and interactive displays. The best parts are:
The shark tunnel
The coral reef show
The touch pools with starfish and other sea creatures
The aquarium also has daily feedings and shows that keep guests interested and teach them new things
The shopping centre Le Polygone
Le Polygone Shopping Center is important for people who love to shop. This new mall is close to the Antigone District and has many stores, from trendy boutiques to famous big stores. The mall has many restaurants, coffee shops, and places to have fun, such as a movie theater. Le Polygone is a great place to shop because it has many goods, from clothes and electronics to gifts and souvenirs.
Aqueduct of Saint Clément
This is an excellent example of engineering from the 18th century: the Saint Clément Aqueduct, which is a short distance from the city center. Water was brought to Montpellier by the 14 kilometer long canal. The biggest draw is the arches that run through the Les Arceaux neighborhood. You can walk or bike along the aqueduct, which offers excellent city views and nearby areas. Twice a week, there is a popular farmers’ market near the canal, where you can buy food and treats made in the area.
A public pavilion
If you want to take a shot, visit the Pavillon Populaire. This modern art gallery shows photography by well-known and up and coming photographers worldwide. The shows have something for everyone, as they have many different styles and themes. The Pavillon Populaire is on the Charles de Gaulle Esplanade; anyone can use it for free. You should add it to your list of cultural places to see.
Conclusion
A long history, beautiful buildings, a lively culture, and beautiful nature are just some of the things that Montpellier has to offer. As the Place de la Comédie gets busier, the quieter Jardin des Plantes is another place to enjoy. If you want a great trip to Montpellier, you can walk through the old streets, relax around the parks, or lay in the sun on the beaches. Pack up your things and get ready to enjoy the best of Montpellier.