The city's rich history has made it one of the most important tourist centers in southern France, so one day is clearly not enough to thoroughly explore all the sights. But if the trip to Montpellier is limited to one day, then you need to decide on the route, especially if you are traveling in the south. It is very convenient that the main historical sites of the city are located quite close to each other and are within walking distance.

Walking around Montpellier

Place de la Comedie is Montpellier's main square, accessible from the city's train station. This is where the “Tourist Center” is located, where you can take excursions and get comprehensive information about the city. If you continue your walking tour on your own, you can have lunch at Comedy Square to gain strength before the promenade. It is full of cozy cafes where you will be treated to delicious coffee, a hearty lunch, etc.

After your meal, admiring the building of the National Opera of Montpellier located on the left, you can delve deeper into the Aragonese quarter, as it is called here Old city.
Moving from the square in a north-west direction along the pedestrian street with the funny name of Lodges, you gradually find yourself from the kingdom of boutiques and shops into an ancient city full of historical buildings. But first, you have to explore the squares of Jean Jaurès and Martire de la Resistance.

After them, the Rue des Loges turns into the Avenue Foch, which ends with the triumphal arch “Peyroux Gate”, erected at the end of the 17th century and dedicated to the Sun King Louis XIV. The arch opens the entrance to the grand Peyroux Square with the gardens of the same name. In the center of the square there is a monument to Louis XIV, at the western end there are structures of an ancient aqueduct with three reservoirs filled with water. This is the highest place in Montpellier and offers breathtaking views of the city's ancient quarters, which will enchant you no less than the Marais quarter in Paris.

After a walk through the Peyroux Gardens, you need to move north along Rue Bartrese and in a few minutes you will find yourself in the Montpellier Botanical Garden - the oldest in all of France. The garden was founded at the end of the 16th century as an apothecary garden for the local medical university. If you are planning to visit it, then a wonderful picture will open up to your eyes: the garden is in bloom! In addition to shady alleys and 3 thousand species of various plants, the Botanical Garden boasts busts of prominent figures who were related to it. Among them scientist Karl Linnaeus and the great writer Francois Rabelais, who once studied at the University of Montpellier. Many tourists note that this place is as unusual and beautiful as the Luxembourg Gardens.

To the east of the Botanical Garden, on the other side of Henri IV Boulevard, the university building itself is located at 2 rue Ecole de Médsen. The Faculty of Medicine was opened at the beginning of the 12th century, and at the end of the century, the opening of the university was proclaimed by a bull of the Pope. . For centuries it was the main rival of the Paris Sorbonne as a scientific center; besides Rabelais, the other famous medical student was Nostradamus.

Now more than 60 thousand students study in its various buildings, which makes Montpellier one of the “youngest” cities in France, because every fourth local resident is a student. The Anatomy Museum located in the building is of great interest to tourists. The cathedral also belongs to the university complex.

Just as a theater begins with a coat rack, so an ancient European city begins with the city cathedral. In Montpellier, the role of the main religious center is played by the Cathedral of St. Peter, located on the square of the same name in the old town of Montpellier. The square itself is located at the junction of the Cardinal de Cabrière, Saint-Pierre and École de Médcen streets. The long-suffering cathedral, built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, was practically destroyed during the religious wars between Catholics and Huguenots, so its majestic decor and interior decoration are the work of restorers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Moving along the ancient streets of the Aragonese quarter in an eastern direction, you can go to the Fabre Museum, located in the building of the former Jesuit college at 39 Bon Nouvel Boulevard. View paintings by great painters of different European countries, from Rubens and Caravaggio to Renoir, Manet and Degas, will be a wonderful break in the pedestrian promenade along the streets of Montpellier. With its variety of paintings it is very similar to the Orsay Museum in Paris.

You can complete your walk in the park located on the other side of Bon Nouvel Boulevard, through which the Charles de Gaulle Esplanade passes. If you are delighted with the Bois de Vincennes, then you will also like this park. Thanks to the quiet plane tree alleys, water cascades and artificial waterfalls The Champ de Mars is loved local residents and tourists, especially on hot summer days. The southern end of the park faces Comedy Square, where our route began.

Despite its rich heritage, the historical center of Montpellier is compact in size, so it is not at all necessary to repeat this route. You can simply head north or west from Piazza Commedia and wander the quiet streets of the Aragonese Quarter. Sooner or later, all the main attractions of the city will come your way. But you shouldn’t stop at one city and end your trip there; find out more about it, because it is also on the list of must-sees for tourists.

Where to stay

The choice of hotels in Montpellier is very wide, as the city is particularly popular among tourists due to its historical heritage and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Among the best hotels in the city, according to visitor reviews, are:

• Villa Cyrano, Avenue Jean Mermo, 10;
• Best Western Eurociel, 1 Avenue Pont Jouvenal;
• Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole, rue Clos René, 3.

All these hotels are located in the city center in close proximity to Place de la Comédie. Their authentic design and convenient location will allow you to completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.

For me, Montpellier became, no matter how banal it may sound, a discovery, because before arriving in this pearl of the south of France, I had a deeply stuck conviction somewhere that all the glamor of this country is on the Cote d'Azur, in Cannes, Nice, (the names, although hackneyed, , but relevant). So, Montpellier is at reasonable prices, and even better!

There is nothing superfluous in the city, but there is subtle sophistication, a taste of luxury, snow-white beaches, and even something Hollywood (on one of the streets there was a strong feeling that I was in Los Angeles).

Montpellier is one of those French cities that can be explored on foot far and wide. Be sure to come here if you want to skip a couple of heartbeats, looking at the beauty of the city center, at the same time find yourself in the romantic past and enchanting present, swim in the sea or just stroll through the shady streets and vineyards.

And also enjoy gourmet cuisine, the most fashionable shopping, dance and simply relax your soul and body. Montpellier has absorbed all the cool things about the Côte d'Azur (although it itself is located on Alom, in the province of Languedoc-Roussillon), and serves it to you in a time-dusted bottle made of historical platinum and modern diamonds.

How to get there

The route to Montpellier from Moscow or St. Petersburg is approximately the same: either a flight with a transfer in Paris or Amsterdam, or a direct flight to Paris or Nice (there is also a direct flight from Moscow to Lyon), and from there by train to Montpellier.

There is also an “exotic” option involving only trains: travel from Moscow to Nice by train, and from there again by train to Montpellier. Or drive to Montpellier by car, but I’m not your advisor here, because I’m not a motorist and have limited time to travel, so my choice is plane + train.

By plane

Flight with a transfer from St. Petersburg

If you are flying from St. Petersburg, take a flight from the airlines AirFrance/KLM with a transfer in Amsterdam. The city has its own small, cozy airport, and the total travel time will be from 12 to 17 hours (including transfers).

A round trip flight for one will cost on average 350 EUR. you can compare prices from air carriers for convenient dates.

Flight with a transfer from Moscow

In this case, choose a similar flight from AirFrance/KLM. Moscow departures/arrivals are carried out only from Sheremetyevo. The journey will take on average from 10 to 17 hours, and the cost of the flight will cost 300 EUR per person.

be careful (this also applies to flights from/to): you may come across an option when the plane flies to Orly, from where you will need to get to Charles de Gaulle, from which you will already be taken to Russia or Montpellier.

How to get from the airport to the center of Montpellier

The airport is tiny, it’s impossible to get lost, just follow the TAXI sign if you want to get to the city quickly.

The journey in this case will take about 20 minutes, and the fare will be 20–25 EUR.

You can get to the city by bus in the same 20 minutes, such a trip will cost 1.6 EUR, the stop in Montpellier is called Place de l'Europe. Buses run every hour, the schedule can be found.

Connecting flight to Nice

If transfers are not for you (I, for example, can’t stand them and choose only direct flights: hooray for comfort!), then the most pleasant option for a trip involving an airplane is a direct flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Nice, and from there to Montpellier can be reached by train.

From Moscow You can fly back and forth to Nice (Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur) only from Sheremetyevo « Aeroflot" or « Russia" in 4 hours and on average for 400 EUR per passenger. From Saint-Petersburg the flight will take 3.5 hours and cost 300 EUR, the carrier - « Russia".

Connecting flight to Paris

Among direct (or connecting) flights, you can always choose from where you will get to Montpellier by TGV. It is also a fast, comfortable and even profitable option, since you will have the maximum choice of air carriers and hotels around Gare de Lyon, where the train to Montpellier departs.

During the flight from Pulkovo in Charles de Gaulle you can choose AirFrance or "Russia", the cost of a round trip flight will be around 300–400 EUR, and the duration will be 3.5 hours.

From Moscow on average for 300 EUR and 4 hours flight « Russia", Airfrance And « Aeroflot", if “Russia”, then from Vnukovo to Orly, the other two run between Charles de Gaulle and Sheremetyevo.

Connecting flight to Lyon

Since June 2016, Aeroflot launched direct flights from Moscow to Lyon. If at the time of reading the guidebook it has not yet been cancelled, getting from Lyon to Montpellier by train is also very convenient, the cost is on average 350 EUR round trip, flights are made from Sheremetyevo to Aéroport Lyon Saint-Exupéry in 4 hours.

I will tell you how to continue your train journey from all these cities below in the next section.

By train

From French cities

Get to Montpellier Saint-Roch station the most convenient of those cities where you can fly to the fastest, and you can book a ticket. Don't forget to subscribe to the SNCF newsletter and catch sales when a one-way ticket costs between 15 and 25 EUR. I buy train tickets no later than two or three months before the start of the trip: it’s more profitable.

One of the most simple ways to get to Montpellier is, as I already said, to fly by plane to Paris / Nice / Lyon, in one of these cities take a train and get to Montpellier. Accordingly, I’ll tell you about routes from these cities by train further:

1. I got to Montpellier by train from Nice, where I flew by plane from Moscow, which I recommend to you. Ride along the Cote d'Azur with beautiful views and non-stop for just 20 EUR per nose for 4 and a half hours on a local (that is, non-high-speed) train.
2. Drive from Lyon by TGV (or high-speed train) it will cost the same 20 EUR and take about 2 hours;
3. Third and always affordable option- it's a breeze to ride to Montpellier from Paris by TGV for 34–40 EUR and 3.5 hours. Departure will be from Gare de Lyon.

From Russia

And finally, if you’re not pressed for time and you don’t have enough money, you can go on a romantic trip from Moscow to Nice from Belorussky Station (then choose a luxury coupe with an individual shower, for example).

And in Nice, transfer to a local train to Montpellier and continue riding to your delight (the train from Moscow arrives at the main railway station of Nice Nice-Ville, the train to Montpellier departs from the same station).

Although, in my opinion, this is too exotic a route to Montpellier. Judge for yourself: it takes a little more than two days to get to Nice by train (and yes, this route does not exist from St. Petersburg and is unlikely to exist, only if there is a transfer in Moscow), which in theory is tiring, although the views are beautiful. And in terms of cost: for a one-way ticket, set aside from 500 to 1,000 EUR (depending on the carriage, plus prices change all the time), which is also not for everyone.

How to get from the station to the center of Montpellier

The railway station is located, consider it, in the city center, from where it’s a 10-minute walk to Comedy Square.

There are also taxi stands and tram stops for all four lines of the city right outside the station, if you need to go somewhere further than the center. The distances are tiny, it is impossible to get lost.

By bus

Don't fool yourself when there is such a convenient and cheap option with trains. And most importantly, you won’t get lost, especially if you speak Vous French.

By car

I got to Montpellier by trains and planes, so I can’t tell you about all the “tricks” of traveling with a car. Personally, this option seems to me like a terribly long, uncomfortable journey with unnecessary expenses on toll roads, additional stops along the way and certain risks. See for yourself whether this is convenient for you when traveling from Moscow:

or St. Petersburg:

Clue:

Montpellier - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

If you are interested in an excursion program without swimming in the sea, choose April or October, when there are fewer tourists in the city and the days are sunny and without rain. Montpellier is a popular destination, so even in the off-season the central part of the city is always full of people.

If you are interested in a beach holiday, the warmest sea here is in July - August. Accordingly, this is the peak season, and you should expect the highest prices and maximum number guests of the city.

Montpellier in summer

The heat on the streets is up to +30 °C, there are crowds of people, but you can swim in the sea and lie on the beaches.

The sea is best warmed up in July and August - about +22 °C. But remember that the closer August is, the higher the prices.

Montpellier in autumn

In September, the frantic French mostly go home, while the city is still very sunny and has minimal precipitation. I personally can’t go into the sea anymore, even though it doesn’t happen year after year.

Traditionally, September is the velvet season in the south of France. There is little precipitation, air and water temperatures are kept at +24 °C and +20 °C, respectively.

November is the rainiest month of the year with air temperatures dropping to +18 °C.

Montpellier in spring

In March it is still cool - around +15–17 °C. But the closer May gets, the more sun there is, so the second half of April and the beginning of May are ideal for sightseeing tours around the city. There are tourists, a lot of them, but not the crowds like from July to September.

The only caveat: in April - May you will have to get acquainted with such a stunning local phenomenon as the mistrals. At some point I even wanted to shout: “Someone, finally turn off this damn wind!”

Montpellier in winter

In winter, the city is cool, the average air temperature is +10 °C, which is not so bad, so you can walk around the city and sadly look at the icy sea under the gusts of wind.

During Christmas celebrations in the city center everything is very beautifully decorated. The coldest month of the year here is December.

Montpellier - weather by month

Clue:

Montpellier - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

I propose to consider the three best, in my opinion, areas of the city for a stop:

As an experienced independent traveler, I recommend booking hotels on the most convenient and reliable website. You can choose apartments to suit every taste, and if you need to compare prices from different booking services for an already found accommodation option, you can do this, for example.

What are the prices for holidays?

You can pay for the trip with a bank card: the driver has a terminal.

When you leave the airport/train station, just follow the arrows with the word Taxi.

The prices are:

• they charge 2 EUR for boarding,
• 1 km during the day costs 1.82 EUR, at night - 2.7 EUR.

You can also use the services of a local taxi with a guide, called Languedoc Taxi Tour . You can ride around Montpellier itself or anywhere in its vicinity. The service is private, you need to agree in advance by mail. Or at the tourist office.

I’ve never hitched a ride on the streets; I order a taxi in advance through an app or from the hotel reception, but cars with talking TAXI signs drive all over the city, and there’s nothing stopping them from stopping.

Trams

Most comfortable view transport in Montpellier, and how cute (oh, those flowered trams)!

There are 4 lines, if you stay in the city for at least three days and use this type of transport, you will begin to distinguish them by their coloring. :) Lines are named by first and last stop:

• Line No. 1 - Mosson/Odysseum(blue trams with white swallows),
• Line No. 2 - Saint-Jean de Védas Center / Jacou(in flowers),
• Line No. 3 - Juvignac/Montpellier/Lattes et Pérols(in warm summer colors),
• Line No. 4 - Saint-Denis / Place Albert 1er(bright trams that run in the city center).

Where to buy a ticket:

Fare

All current ticket prices can be found in advance in the Tickets et Forfaits section. There are tickets for 1 (1.6 EUR) or 10 (10 EUR) trips, for 1 day (4.30 EUR) or a week (16.50 EUR), as well as group tickets (6.30 EUR for 24 hours).

Buses

There are city buses, many of them, but given the same ticket prices, the best way to get around Montpellier for a tourist is by tram.

They always have empty seats, the trams run smoothly and quickly, there are no traffic jams, the windows are huge, so you can admire the beauty flying by. You can, of course, use buses, but I am for speed and convenience, so I vote for trams, especially considering their surroundings (and a bus, it’s a bus in France).

Transport rental

Car rent

If you are a motorist, and even with international rights, in Montpellier you will find a car very useful. To rent a car, you must be over 21 years old and have at least 1 year of driving experience. I am not a car driver and used taxis/public transport, which is quite normal, you can get everywhere just like that.

Parking

In the historical part of the city there is nowhere to park, but you can go to the zoo with your children, take a ride to the beach in comfort, or go to the nearest monastery for wine, or even just around Provence or Languedoc...

Somewhere (for example, at the zoo), parking is free; a list of paid parking lots in the city itself can be found (and an example of how the cost of parking is calculated; parking for 24 hours will cost 25 EUR). You can also arrange a parking space with your hotel in advance.

In general, choose the route at your own discretion, but to easily get to the beaches, rent a car. You can compare prices and car options from rental companies.

Gasoline in France is 2.5–3 times more expensive than in Russia.

Bicycle rental

I recommend renting a bike through the tourist office or the Velomagg office near the station as people there will help you do this. But, in principle, there are about fifty bicycle rental points in the city with automatic machines, where you can pick up and return the bike yourself at any time.

Required for payment bank card, if the card does not work for some reason, the machines have a phone number on them that you can call, dictate your card number, and they will try to withdraw money remotely through an operator (a scary option, especially if you have problems with English).

The bike costs 0.5 EUR per hour.

Montpellier - holidays with children

Odysseum Quarter

The largest entertainment area, where everything is collected for children and their parents, is located in the Odysseum area. So, let's look at specific places:

Mad Monkey

Active children over 4 years old can be taken to climb the walls at: 2929 avenue Etienne Mehul.

You can get here by car on the A9 highway or by tram, line no. 2.

All visiting rates can be found here. One session lasting 1 hour will cost 9.9 EUR for children under 6 years old, for all others - 12.9 EUR. If you immediately take the second hour, it will be 50% off.

Zoo

Well, the most important thing, in my opinion, entertainment for kids and their parents (and it is often difficult to guess for whom in the first place) is the excellent Montpellier Zoo, the easiest way to get to which is by bus (line 13, the stop is called: Zoo ) or by car (there is free parking in front of the zoo entrance).

The zoo is closed on Mondays, but on the rest of the week you can wander around 80 hectares and observe the life of more than 1,000 animals. The zoo grounds even house two lakes, so it's great fun for the day.

Cost: free entry; pay only if you want to visit the Amazon pavilion: for adults - 6.5 EUR, for children and teenagers from 6 to 18 years old, as well as students and pensioners - 3 EUR, for the youngest, travel to the tropics is free.

Walking around the city

And, of course, you can always take children around museums and central city streets, ride on carousels or a charming tram (runs around the center, you can always catch it on Comedy Square, called Le Petit Train De Montpellier , for adults it costs 7 EUR, for children - 4 EUR) and delicious food in any cafe (there will definitely be no shortage of ice cream).

Ski holiday

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

The oldest and one of the most interesting countries in the world is France. Montpellier (photo of the city - in the article) is one of its largest cities, the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, which is located in the southwest of the country. In the old days, the Mediterranean Sea approached directly to the city center, and this place was considered one of the most prestigious and in demand among the rich. That is why so many churches, cathedrals and palaces were built here, which delight the eye with their chic and gloss. Today, the sea waters have retreated 10 km, so all local beaches are located in the suburbs.

How to get to Montpellier

You can get to this warm southern city in several ways, and each of them will have its own budget and its own characteristics. Firstly, the Montpellier airport of the same name is located on the territory of the city. France is a popular country, so flights from Paris operate here with enviable frequency. You can also fly to Montpellier by air from London, Berlin, Brussels and Amsterdam. On four rented wheels you can drive throughout France, including its southern regions. Well, the railway in this place has many connections. Trains to this area run from Paris, Leon, Nice, and even Barcelona.

Transport in the city

Montpellier (France) - although one of the capitals of the regions, it is very compact. In fact, you can walk around this ancient town in half a day and still see a lot of sights and beauties of this area.

However, the French who live here actively use cars and public transport. In this regard, huge traffic jams constantly accumulate on the narrow ancient streets. So, if you are a tourist, then do not buy bus tickets or rent a car. The best option For this town you can rent a bicycle or travel by tram. By the way, this is the only type of transport that runs until one in the morning.

Where to stay in the Southern resort town

What has really been done here on a grand scale is the Montpellier hotels. France is a very expensive country, so the price for daily accommodation in a five-star hotel will be much higher than 5 thousand rubles. Apartments with a three-star rating in this city can be rented for 2-4 thousand rubles. The rest of the accommodation offered in the area is no longer included in the standard package of a tourist package. However, the living conditions in these hotels are fully consistent with their price. Absolutely everything has been thought out here; moreover, each room is designed taking into account the tastes and preferences of wealthy tourists.

Cuisine, restaurants and eateries in Montpellier

France is known to be famous for its unique cuisine, somewhat specific, but very tasty and refined. However, this wonderful resort city is by no means a haven of national restaurants and other establishments that offer tourists a taste of French delicacies. There are a lot of Spanish and Arabic ones here. On the streets and in open cafes prepare sandwiches and other light snacks. But what is truly French here is the wines. In the region they are produced in especially large quantities, so you can taste them in any restaurant. Preference should be given to red varieties, which are the most tart and bright in taste.

Properties of the southern capital

Beautiful and ancient architecture mixed with neo-classical and modernism, as well as many unique and inimitable stucco moldings - these are the main cultural secrets that Montpellier keeps. which can be considered for years, in this region it becomes a little different, lighter and fresher than all the others ancient cities. The most ancient buildings in the area are considered to be the houses located in the Aragon quarter. It has existed here since the 12th century, since the formation of the dynasty of kings of Aragon, who ruled here for a long time. Extremely narrow streets have been preserved here, along which even a car, paving stones and building facades cannot pass. Above one of them you can see a tower, which in those days served as an observatory.

Modern houses and their style

In the 20th century, the city was almost completely renovated. grew up here residential buildings and community centers that are reminiscent of antiquity in style. There are also houses in a neo-classical spirit, simple and modest, but at the same time chic and expensive. The streets of the city began to open up open bars and restaurants. They were built in different architectural styles hotel complexes Montpellier. France, thanks to them, became famous as a resort region, and people began to come here on vacation as often as they came to the islands.

Sea holidays in Montpellier

France, whose beaches are predominantly pebble, never ceases to amaze its guests. It is in this small (by our standards) town that there are the widest sandy recreation areas, with infrastructure and all the necessary equipment. Absolutely any type of holiday is possible here: both among a noisy company and as a family holiday, quiet and measured. Sun loungers and beach chairs are available for rent, and umbrellas can be used free of charge. Away from the central beaches of Carnon and Palavas-les-Flots there are many wild coves. There are no cafes or bars here; these places are intended for secluded relaxation, complete relaxation and unity with nature and the sea. Also, at some distance from the city, you can find beaches where the rise is quite high. high waves. This great places for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The French often call Montpellier "the capital of Southern France" - for its beauty and the importance of its role in history. The city stands on the banks of the Lez River, 12 km from the coast (). This is a dynamically developing city, the third largest in the French Mediterranean, and in terms of population it is in the top ten in the country. Known as a traditional center of winemaking and wine trading. Currently, the Languedoc-Roussillon region, of which Montpellier is the center, produces more wine than the wine regions of Chile, South Africa and Australia. There are excellent conditions for growing grapes here. climatic conditions: the sun shines up to 300 days a year, and the townspeople themselves claim that the sun never sets over Montpellier. The “official nickname” says the same thing: City of the Sun.

Story

The original history of the formation of Montpellier is reflected in numerous cultural, architectural and historical monuments. The old part with narrow winding streets winding along the hillsides, with ancient mansions and majestic cathedrals gives the city a special charm.
Montpellier arose in the Middle Ages near the episcopal city of Magelon on the coast. Pirate raids forced some of the Magellans to move away from the coast. The founding date of Montpellier is 985, when, according to documents, these lands - between the Roman Via Domitian and the rivers Lez and Masson - were granted by Count Bernard de Melgueil to his knight Guillem. Guillem's descendants built a fortress on the hill, which became the historical core of the city. In the 12th century. these territories were surrounded by a fortress wall, from which the Pine Tower and the Babot Tower remain today.
The city quickly grew and became rich, which was facilitated by two circumstances: firstly, the passage of one of the routes of the Way of St. James through it; secondly, Montpellier, through the trading port of Latte, is connected to the entire Mediterranean. The coat of arms of the city of Montpellier depicts the Basilica of Our Lady of the Changing Tables, one of the stopping points for pilgrims.
Initially it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but in the 13th century. received the name Our Lady of the Changing Tables because of the large number of money changers who set up their tables under its walls. After the demolition of the church in 1794, a city market was built in its place on Place Jean Jaurès, and after its dismantling, excavations discovered a unique monument to the history of Montpellier - a crypt that existed in the Romanesque era. This is an underground vaulted room (lower church), which currently houses the Museum of the History of Montpellier X-XVI centuries.
In the 13th century Montpellier, thanks to a dynastic marriage, becomes the possession of the Aragonese king Pedro II (1174-1213). At the same time, the city receives significant tax privileges and a consulate - city government. But in 1349, the Aragonese rulers sold the city to King Philip VI of Valois of France (1293-1350) for 120 thousand gold ecus.
Plague epidemic in the second half of the 14th century. practically wiped out the population of Montpellier (25 thousand people died), and the city fell into decay. The city suffered even more during the religious wars of the 16th century, when it became a stronghold of the Huguenots. For some time, the position of Protestants in the city was so strong that Montpellier achieved confirmation of its status as a stronghold of Protestantism: according to the Edict of Nantes in 1598, signed by King Henry IV (1553-1610), holding events in the city was prohibited. church services according to the Catholic rite. Catholicism returned to Montpellier after the rebellious city was captured by the army of King Louis XIII (1601-1643) in 1622.
In the 17th century Montpellier became the administrative center of the province of Languedoc, and at the end of the 18th century. - Department of Hérault.
The municipal website indicates the romantic “official nickname” of the Montpellier hill: “Mont de jenne fille,” that is, “mountain of young maidens.” But there are also a lot of young men here, thanks to the university, which grew out of the School of Medicine founded in 1220.
Montpellier is considered one of the youngest cities in the south of France, not only in terms of its founding date (985 is not that long ago when compared with neighboring cities, whose history dates back to the pre-Roman era), but also in terms of the age of the townspeople. About 25% of the population has long been young people under 25 years of age. This is a student city, its ancient university is known far beyond the borders of France. The author of the novel “Gargantua and Pantagruel,” Francois Rabelais (1494-1553), taught medicine there. Michel de Nostredame, also known as Nostradamus (1503-1566), a French astrologer, alchemist and predictor of the future, studied here and received his doctorate.
Administratively, it is the center of the Languedoc-Roussillon region and the Hérault department. From an architectural point of view, not only the old city is interesting. Particularly noteworthy is the relatively new quarter, named after Antigone, the heroine of the ancient Greek myth. According to the 1977 project, the city should be expanded in an easterly direction to connect the historical center with the Lez River, which links Montpellier with the sea. The Antigone project was carried out from 1978 to 2000. under the direction of the Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill (born 1939). Antigone's buildings were built on a former military training ground with an area of ​​35 hectares. The entire quarter is designed in the spirit of ancient Greek architecture, with copies of Greek sculptures and Greek names: Dionysus Square, Thessaly Square.
Gardens, squares and parks, of which there are about fifty, give Montpellier a special beauty.
The city is home to the Botanical Garden, founded back in 1593 on the personal orders of King Henry IV.
In recent decades, Montpellier has experienced strong economic growth. Here are located enterprises working in the field of medical, information, agricultural technologies, as well as in the field of renewable energy, water resources management and regeneration; Research centers of such giants as IBM, Dell, Sanofi, Veolia, Ubisoft, Intel are located.
Economic recovery of the second half of the 20th century. and the rapid population growth in Montpellier is associated with the resettlement of the French from Algeria to the city in 1962 after the declaration of independence of the French colonies in Africa.

The majority of the city's population are ethnic French; in recent years, the number of immigrants from North Africa, and historically Montpellier has a fairly large diaspora of Spaniards who have had a strong influence on the cultural life of the city, particularly in the musical field. And music in this city sounds often, since every summer Montpellier hosts music festivals of European significance, mainly dedicated to classical music and jazz, dance festivals and folk theaters.

general information

Location: south of France.
Administrative center of the Languedoc-Roussillon region and the Hérault department.

Founded: 985

Administrative division: 7 districts.

Language: French.

Ethnic composition: French, Spanish, people from North Africa.

Religions: Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Islam.

Currency unit: Euro.

Largest river: Lez.

Most important airport: international Airport

Numbers

Area: 56.88 km2.

Population: 257,351 people. (2010).
Population density: 4524.4 people/km 2 .

Lowest point: 8 m.

Highest point: Peyroux Park (187 m).
Distance: 748 km from Paris, 326 km from Nice, 170 km from Marseille.

Climate and weather

Mediterranean.

Average January temperature:+7°C.

Average temperature in July:+24°С
Average annual precipitation: 650 mm.

Relative humidity: 80-90%.

Economy

GRP: $8.364 billion (2010).
GRP per capita:$32,500 (2010).
Industry: electronic, chemical, pharmaceutical, food (winemaking).
Service sector: tourism, trade (wine fair), hotel and transport services.

Attractions

■ Cult: Abbey of Saint-Guillaume-le-Desert (804), Vignogoul (XI-XII centuries), Cassane (1080), Valmagne (1138), St. Peter's Cathedral (1367) , Chapel of St. Charles (second half of the 17th century), Basilica of Our Lady of the Changing Tables (1748), Church of St. Dionysius (18th century).
■ Architectural: Arc de Triomphe (1692), Antigone quarter (2000), Place des Comédies, Places des Flores, Jean Jaurès, Canurg, Park (Promenade) du Peyroux.
■ Historical: crypt of Our Lady of the Changing Tables (Museum of the History of Montpellier X-XVI centuries), Ba-bot tower (XII century), Pine Tower (XIV century), Ecusson quarter, Botanical Garden, Medical University(1220), Monument to the savior of the vineyards, Jules Planchon (“the conqueror of phylloxera”).
■ Cultural: Fabre Museum (main art gallery of Montpellier), Museum of the History of Montpellier X-XVI centuries. (in the crypt), Agropolis Museum (food), Atget Museum (art gallery), Old Town Museum, Languedoc Museum, Museum of Casts (copies of the most famous sculptures of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome).
■ Others: Lunare Zoo, Corum Theater, Assa village (wine-making center), Charles de Gaulle esplanade.

Curious facts

■ The only monument in France to the leader of the world proletariat V.I. Lenin (1870-1924) was erected in Montpellier on the initiative of the convinced socialist mayor Georges Freche (1938-2010), who exclaimed at the opening of the monument: “Long live the October Revolution! Long live Lenin!”
■ The name of the Babot tower comes from the word “babota”, which meant an evil and harmful witch.
■ In 1562, the bells and portcullis of St. Peter's Cathedral were melted down to make cannonballs, which Protestants used to defend the city from the Catholic besiegers.
■ The siege of Montpellier in 1622 by the troops of King Louis XIII lasted for eight months.
■ The magnolia plant was named in 1703 in honor of the French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638-1715), born in Montpellier, professor of botany and director of the Royal Botanical Garden in Montpellier.
■ In 1783, the French physicist and inventor Louis-Sébastien Lenormand (1757-1837), a native of Montpellier, made the first documented parachute jump in history from the Babot Tower. He also coined the term “parachute”.
■ In 1825, the Pine Tower housed a shelter for repentant sinners.
■ The length of bicycle paths in Montpellier is 120 km.

■ In the Antigone quarter there is a unique residential building on the banks of the Lez: the entire façade of the building is “greened” with living plants. The idea of ​​“green walls” is an interesting find in modern architecture.
■ When the Pine Tower was built, it was surrounded by these coniferous trees, and two pine trees even grew on its roof. Nostradamus predicted the death of the city of Montpellier, “as soon as the pine trees disappear from the tower.” In the 19th century the trees had to be removed from the tower: their roots were destroying the building. To prevent the prediction from coming true, two cypress trees were planted in their place, which still grow here today.
■ After the defeat of France and the occupation of its northern part with Paris in 1940, Southern France remained a “Free Zone” and was not occupied (until 1942), because the Vichy regime (Vichyists) demonstrated loyalty to Nazi Germany.
■ On the Montpellier station square there is a monument depicting grateful peasants holding out bunches of grapes to Jules Planchon (1823-1888), a French botanist who saved vineyards from grape phylloxera (an insect pest) by grafting European grape varieties onto the rootstock of American varieties resistant to phylloxera.
■ The city of Montpelier - the smallest capital of the American state (Vermont) - was named after the French city of Montpelier. The state was originally part of New France; the name Vermont also has French roots and translates as “green mountain.”

Thanks to France's good location, its rich history and many attractions and architectural monuments, the country is very popular among tourists and travelers from all over the world. The city of Montpellier, France, which is located on the Mediterranean coast, is definitely worth a visit if possible. This is a very beautiful French city, a description of which can be found in any guidebook.

Information about the cities of the country

France has many beautiful and popular tourist cities that are rich in attractions. You can highlight Paris as the capital and main tourist center with its museums, monuments, shops, and other places that are definitely worth visiting. Excellent beach resorts in the south of the country are represented by cities such as Cannes and Nice. The settlements located on the Cote d'Azur have long earned great fame thanks to their beaches, hotels and entertainment. For example, the world-famous Cannes Film Festival is held annually in Cannes, which is attended by famous and famous actors and directors. Small historical cities such as Rouen, Rennes or Le Havre can boast of having been the center of important events in the history of the country. These very small settlements by the standards of the state have a great heritage in the form of monuments and other attractions. All this puts France on the first line in terms of tourist attendance in Europe and the world.

Montpellier from above

City information

The famous city of Mopellier is mentioned in the 10th century as a major spice trading location. Later, the Count of Toulouse built a castle here and the place was endowed with high powers. In 1349, the settlement was sold and came under the rule of the kings of France. IN English transcription the spelling of the city looks like Montpellier, France.

The population of Montpellier is 276 thousand people who live on 57 square kilometers. It is located in the south of the country, ten kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. Located in the Lez River valley, it is the center of the Hérault department in the Occitan region.

Location of Montpellier on the map

Climate and weather

Montpellier has a Mediterranean climate with mild winter and hot summer. Winters in the city are very warm, practically never reaching temperatures below +6, and sometimes they are frosty, with occasional snowfall and frosts at night. In summer, precipitation is very rare, it is stuffy and hot. Autumn begins early for this type of climate; almost from the end of September it rains often, and the temperature gradually decreases.

Average temperature and precipitation by month:

• January - 6.6 °C, 72 mm - precipitation;
• February - 7.8 °C, 72 mm;
• March - 10.7 °C, 55 mm;
• April - 13.6 °C, 52 mm;
• May - 17.8 °C, 52 mm;
• June - 21.8 °C, 33 mm;
• July - 24.7 °C, 20 mm;
• August - 24.1 °C, 41 mm;
• September - 20.2 °C, 62 mm;
• October - 16.1 °C, 109 mm;
• November - 10.6 °C, 62 mm;
• December - 7.8 °C, 63 mm.

Note! The best time to visit Montpellier for sightseeing is from mid-spring to mid-summer. For a beach holiday, it is best to come in summer.

Location of the city and how to get there

Getting to the city will not be a problem even for the most inexperienced tourist or traveler. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city has a very well developed transport infrastructure. A railway network runs along the entire coastline, connecting the main major settlements. In addition, Montpellier has its own international airport, where almost all arriving tourists arrive. Types of transport you can use to get to the city:

• Train. The developed railway network makes visiting Montpellier easy and comfortable. The central railway station is located in the city center. Passes through Montpellier high-speed train TGV, its line runs to Barcelona and connects the network with the Spanish AVE. This allows you to visit neighboring Spain, the journey will take several hours;
• Bus. The bus network is very well developed, making it easy to get from the airport to the center or other settlements of the region and the whole country;
• Taxi. You can order at the airport or catch on the streets. Comfortable and fast way to move over short distances;
• Rent a Car. You can rent a car at rental offices and travel on your own. Allows you to easily visit the chosen place without depending on a tourist group or transport.

How to get there

Attractions

The city of Montpellier in France has attractions that are very popular among travelers from all over the world. Among the main ones are the following:

• Collegiate Church of St. Peter. Represents Roman Catholic Church, built in the Gothic style. Originally it was an extension to old church Saint-Benoit, which was built in 1364. The building received cathedral status in 1536. The building was rebuilt in the 17th century due to the fact that it suffered significant damage as a result Religious wars. The building is very popular among tourists; many tourist groups from all over the world are brought here;

Collegiate Church of St. Peter

• Old city. A very remarkable and popular square among tourists, but with many attractions. This is a completely pedestrian area where you can stroll leisurely and admire the architecture. There are cafes, restaurants and many other establishments here. Any local Frenchman prefers to spend his leisure time here. The center of the old city is Comedy Square - this is the place connecting the old and new parts of the city. The entire area is paved with marble cream color, it looks especially organic and beautiful in the evening with the lights on. There is a fountain in the center of the square, and along the perimeter it is surrounded by cozy cafes. There is also an ancient opera house building here, which was built in the 19th century;

Place de la Comedy in Montpellier

• Fabre Museum. This museum houses a collection of works of art from the 17th to 19th centuries. Here you can find works by such famous masters as Delacroix, Raphael, Jan van Steen and Veronese;

Fabre Museum

• Botanical Garden of Montpellier. It is the oldest botanical garden in all of France. It opened in 1593. They grow here exotic plants, collected from all over the world. The garden has beautiful alleys and terraces, ideal for walking in the fresh air.

Botanical Garden of Montpellier

Festivals and public events

Montpellier is famous for the fact that every year it hosts an international wine fair, which brings together wine lovers and winemakers from all over the world. There are many things you can try here during this time different varieties wine and learn the history and secrets of making this drink.

Additional Information! The matches of the French Major League football team called Montpellier attract a large number of fans. It is recommended to visit if possible.

Among interesting facts About Montpellier you can choose the following main ones:

• The first official same-sex marriage took place here; it was registered in 2013;
• Montpellier, one of the few cities with a tram-pedestrian street;
• One of the bells of St. Peter's Basilica weighs 4 tons;
• It is believed that the first parachute jump in history took place here. It was performed by an amateur using a prototype parachute from the Babott Tower in 1783;

Montpellier is a beautiful and ancient tourist city in France that is very popular among tourists. A visit is definitely recommended.