Montpellier lies at the heart of the picturesque southwest French region of Languedoc. The original name of the city, Monspessulanus, is said to have stood for mont pelé (stripped hill) because of its vegetation. An ideal starting point to discover the region, Montpellier attracts tourists for its cultural diversity and remnants of old city walls.
One of the best ways to discover Montpellier is through its gastronomy. Southern French cuisine is among the most excellent in the world. Traditional Mediterranean cuisine and French brasseries compete for space with fine dining, countryside inns, and a whole host of different international eateries.
Montpellier’s main festivals have given the city status as a lively festival capital. They have also fostered the growth and taste for culture among the public, and the development of arts in the city. Everyday culture is no less dynamic and can be experienced through the different architectural structures that have been set up in several neighborhoods in the city.
Highlights
Place de la Comédie: is also known as l’Oeuf (the egg) due its unique oval shape and is one of Europe’s largest pedestrian areas.
The Triumphal Arch: was built the end of the 17th century by the king’s intendant as a copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, in honour of Louis XIV.
Aqueduct St Clement: was built in the 17th century and supplied water from the St Clement spring nearly nine miles (14kms) away to the water tower beneath the Promenade de Peyrou, allowing for the beautification of the city with various fountains.
Montpellier Botanical Garden: is one of the oldest in Europe and was created in 1593 to serve as a model for designing all botanical gardens in France, including the one in Paris 40 years later.