Montpellier
Vibrant City
General Information
Other Name: University City, District: NA, State: Languedoc Roussillon , France
Area: 0 -
Languages Spoken: French
Long Distance Code: -
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Best Time to Visit: - to - and -
International Access: -Description
Montpellier is the capital of the Languedoc Region of France.It is a city in the south of France.The city is beautiful, filled with architecture and rich in history. It`s lined with boutiques and sidewalk cafes, and dotted with magnificent squares.A thousand years of trade and intellectual activity have made MONTPELLIER a teeming, energetic city.Location
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Despite lying in a relatively out of the way part of the historic city centre, and unknown even to many residents of Montpellier, the exterior of Saint Pierre Cathedral is distinguished by its twin towers rising above the surrounding buildings. The current entrance is by the unassuming doorway in Rue du Cardinal Cabrières, next to which one can still distinguish the marks of shots fired by Royalist troops in 1815. Worth noting is the recent restoration of 19th century stained glass windows and the many paintings, most notably the demise of Simon le Magicien by Sebastien Bourbon.
This garden was created in 1593. Today, the garden is a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding metropolis. It contains a wide variety of both indigenous and exotic species, as well as several trees that date back to when the garden was founded. The paths intertwine on different levels, and the garden contains several small follies, canals, grottoes and many busts of bearded botanists. Other features of this beautiful garden include an Orangery, tropical greenhouses, a bamboo garden, rock gardens and even a small duck pond.
A 200-square-metre indoor terrain allows young and old alike plenty of opportunity to stalk and ambush one another with harmless laser guns.
At the eastern edge of Montpellier Old Town, diametrically opposite the Promenade du Peyrou, lies its simpler counterpart, the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle. On the west side (Rue Montpellieret) stands the Musée Fabre, which includes a picture gallery with works by old Italian and Dutch painters, as well as older and more modern French masters and fine 18th C. sculptures.
Situated between the train station, the historic city centre and the Polygone shopping centre, this immense, pedestrianised square is the heart and soul of Montpellier. Deriving its name from the first theatre built in the 18th century on the site of what is now the Opera, this expansive square is the site of major open-air shows and daily street entertainment. At the centre of the square, beneath the handsome facades of the surrounding 19th century buildings, is the fountain of the Three Graces.
These 80 hectares contain over 100 different indigenous and exotic species. No tiny or concrete cages are to be seen and the spacious enclosures and vegetation allows the animals some privacy. A little patience is amply rewarded by the possibility of seeing zebra, antelope, camels and even cheetah in a habitat of woodland and scrub. With 9 kilometres of paths to explore and several picnic sites, the zoo allows a relaxing yet active and educational visit.