Hotels in Montpellier
What to see by foot: Montpellier
 
Montpellier is the largest city and the capital of the renowned Languedoc Roussillon
region - the largest wine-making area in the world. It occupies a unique and privileged
position between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif Central Mountains. The city
offers a vast number of attractions which can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle,
or in the horse drawn carriages which tour the city.
The city's historical centre, known as the Ecusson, with its narrow lanes,
Renaissance architecture, hidden courtyards and multitude of shops, bars and
restaurants, is a joy to explore on foot. It was once surrounded by 25 towers,
of which only two remain - the Tour des Pins and the Tour de la Babotte, both
dating back to the 12th century.
The elegant place de la Camourge, situated behind the bustling avenue Foch,
is the site from which Protestants once fired their canons on to the cathedral
below - needless to say, there is a superb view of the cathedral. The square
is now tranquil and an excellent place to enjoy a leisurely meal.
Stroll past the Church of St Roch to listen to the musicians who play here,
or visit the Church of St Anne, with its soaring steeple that is one of the
most visible landmarks of Montpellier. Today, the Church of St Anne is no longer
used for religious purposes, but contains an art gallery that exhibits the work
of artists from Montpellier and elsewhere. The work includes photography, sculpture
and painting, and is usually modern.
The northern side of the Ecusson is home to the 14th century Cathedral St Pierre,
the only church in Montpellier to have survived the wars of religion. The church
adjoins a former Benedictine monastery, the oldest in Europe, founded in 1289,
which is now the Faculty of Medicine.
Just outside the old town lie a number of Montpellier's trademark attractions.
The place de la Comedie is a pedestrianised square with the 18th century Opera
Comedie Theatre on the left and the Fountain of the Three Graces in the centre.
It is a popular meeting place and has a lively blend of cafés, markets
and street entertainers.
On the other side of the centre lies the promenade du Peyrou, where you can
enjoy spectacular views of the city, and the Jardin des Plantes, France's oldest
botanical gardens.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Holiday Inn Montpellier | | Mercure Montpellier Antigone | | Novotel Montpellier | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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