Montpellier City Guide
Montpellier is a vibrant university city and capital of the Lower Languedoc region. Montpellier is a historic city with a medieval Old Town area, contrasting with the postmodern architecture in the Antigone quarter.
Montpellier is approx 3 hours 20 minutes by train from Paris.
What to do and see in and around Montpellier
Place de la Comédie
The Place de la Comedie (known locally as L'Oeuf) is the heart of Montpellier, situated between the old and the new areas of the city. The Opera House is at one end of the square, or you can relax in one of the cafés surrounding the square.
Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes are the oldest botanical gardens in France, and cover 4.5 hectares. The gardens were created by Henri IV in the 16th century, and include tropical trees and plants, a 19th century orangery, and an English Garden.
Promenade du Peyrou
The Promenade du Peyrou is west of Montpellier's centre. Wander along the Promenade under the avenue of trees that line the street, and enjoy views of the Mediterranean on a clear day. The Promenade was used as the site of the guillotine during the French Revolution, but now has a statue of Louis XIV on horseback. Look out for Montpellier's own Arc de Triomphe at the bottom of the Promenade.
Musée Fabre
The Musée Fabre is one of the best museums outside Paris. The collection was started by François Fabre a local artist in 1825. The Museum includes works from the 17th-19th centuries by artists including Rubens, Delacroix and Raphael.
Musée du Vieux Montpellier
The Musée du Vieux Montpellier traces the history of Montpellier through a collection of furniture and objects dating back to the Middle Ages. Entrance to the museum is free.
Arles
1 hour from Montpellier by train
Arles was a Roman settlement, and has a vast and well preserved Roman Arena and Roman theatre. The artist Van Gogh lived in Arles, and some of his most famous paintings, including "Café de Nuit", depict the city.
Sète
20 minutes from Montpellier by train
Sète has been an important port since the Roman period. Visit to sample the excellent seafood in the restaurants in the pedestrian streets, the sailors cemetary is further up the hill where the poet Paul Valéry is buried.
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