Montpellier is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
A lot of tourists head to Montpellier for some beach relaxation. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.
Many travelers are drawn to the historic old town area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.Traveling in Montpellier
Montpelllier, France
Montpellier is the 8th largest city of France, and also has been the fastest growing city in the country over the past 25 years. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hotels, private mansions, stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. Instead it was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly center - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century. The population swelled in the 1960s when many French settlers left independent Algeria and relocated here, and it's now France's fastest-growing city and one of its most multicultural areas. Students make up over a third of the population, giving it a spirited vibe.
Neighborhoods & Around
South-east of Place de la Comedie, the heart of the city, lies an example of French urban redevelopment. The neighborhood of Antigone comprises of flats, offices, hotels and shops, all created as part of a project in the late 1970s and originally the brainchild of Catalan architect, Ricardo Bofill. Aimed at regenerating this district in Montpellier, it's worth heading out of the historic district of Montpellier for a closer look.
Often referred to as the Ecusson, the old walled town and historic district of Montpellier is a maze of narrow lanes, bordered by historic buildings, churches and courtyards. This is the perfect place to wander as traffic is restricted, and the neighborhood boasts a wealth of shops, bars and restaurants. Of the Old Town's former ramparts, only two of the original towers have survived.
Situated around the old town are the central districts of Montpellier. These include residential neighborhoods, such as Beaux-Arts and Boutonnet, Les Arceaux, Figuerolles and Rondelet. Modern apartment blocks mingle with large 19th-century houses. These districts of Montpellier are known for their lively multicultural atmosphere and are a good place to explore in search of markets, restaurants and bars that are off the beaten track.
To the north of Montpellier are the city's university and hospital districts. These neighborhoods are also home to many of the city's green spaces, including the Bois de Montmaurand, the Zoo de Lunaret and the Parc Agropolis.
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