Hotels Montpellier
What to see by car: Montpellier
 
Montpellier is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding Languedoc
region, with its natural underground caves and beautiful sandy beaches only 20
minutes from the city centre. The city is also within easy driving distance of
several towns rich in both culture and history, including: Carcassonne, Beziers,
Narbonne and Nimes.
Carcassonne is the only fortified town in Europe that is still inhabited, and
is best known for its ruins of ancient castles to which the Cathars retreated
for many months before surrendering to the marauding Catholic armies. Of these,
Montsegur is the most impressive and should not be missed. The town is also
home to a fascinating archaeological museum documenting the violent crusades,
battles and sieges that plagued the area in the Middle Ages.
Nearby Beziers is known for its historical value as the site of the first massacre
of Cathars, which took place in 1209. Thankfully, Beziers has come a long way
from its gruesome past. Today, it is a pleasant, tree-lined town known for its
excellent wine, bullfights and ferias (fairs), which are among the most festive
in Europe. Be sure to pay a visit to the charming Plateau des Poetes, with its
lush gardens filled with exotic plants, trees and busts of famous poets.
Narbonne's fascinating past is traced in various exhibits at the Musée
Archéologique, which contains a variety of artefacts dating back to the
Bronze Age, as well as 14th century and Roman items. The Cathedral of St Just
is the fourth tallest of its kind in France. The cathedral is connected by 14th
and 15th century cloisters to the archbishop's palace, where a large collection
of Flemish tapestries is kept.
Nimes is known for its Roman heritage, particularly visible in an almost flawless
Roman temple and an ancient amphitheatre, which is among the best preserved
in the world. Directly opposite, the modern, glass and steel structure of the
Carre d'Art stands in stark contrast to the temple. It is home to a fabulous
display of nearly 300 modern artworks, from the 1960s to the present day.
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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