Things to Do in Montpellier

Named after the Theatre “Opera Comedie”, the square is the central lifeline of Montpellier. Close to the station, Gare de Montpellier Saint – Roch, Place de la Comedie comes to define the culture of France. One of the largest pedestrian areas in Europe, the square is always populated with street artists. This central square offers a leisurely break with its typical French cafes and restaurants. Structured in an oval shape, it is also known as l’oef (the Egg ). The square encircles the famous statue of the Three Graces, considered to be the city’s representative Goddesses. The main features of the square are:

• The historic city centre, known as the Ecusson: It is a downtown area which is devoted to shopping with a range of boutiques and fashion stores.
• The medieval narrow streets in the Ancien Courrier Quarter.
• Opera Comedie House.
• The pedestrian pavements bordered by fine mansions.

The Place also extends into Esplanade de Charles de Gaulle and the Corum. One can also head towards the south-eastern corner which links the square to the citadel of Montpellier.

Get ready for an aquatic experience which will attract people of all ages! Ranging from the high seas to the marvels of the tropics, Aquarium Mare Nostrum is a pure thrill. The 15- scene tour inside will introduce you to 3500 animals from nearly 300 species as they fill at least 24 pools. Completely dedicated to the marine life of Mediterranean region, the Aquarium is a two and a half hours fun filled experience. The special attractions inside are:

•  The visitors can board the Cargo ship Romeo II, ready to face a massive storm on the 40th parallel.
•  African Penguins
•  The visitors can visit gentle tropical seas and lagoons and can watch multi- coloured fish.
•  Ocean Theatre – full of various species of Sharks.

Covering an enormous land of 80 hectares, Parc Zooligique is the second largest zoo in France. The visitors accompanied by families, especially children will find a perfect day of excursion in this zoo. It is one of those spaces where animals are not confined and are allowed to roam freely as the visitors witness them. Covered by thick Mediterranean scrubland, vegetation and pine trees, the zoo is home to one hundred species of animals. The main features of this zoo are:

• Rare white rhinoceros
• Three young leopard brothers
• Family of Atlas lions
• Serre Amazonienne: A gigantic tropical greenhouse section inside which mimics the humid weather of Amazon rainforest and complete with piranhas, alligators and reptiles.

Designed by Francois – Xavier Fabre and named after him, Musee Fabre is a confluence of classical and contemporary art displays. Considered to be the best and the most significant museum amongst the other provincial museums, it is the biggest art gallery in Montpellier. The museum underwent an extensive renovation and has been redecorated with passages by the architectural teams of Brochet – Lajus – Pueyo and Nebout. Preserving its classical architecture, the museum today houses a contemporary art gallery wing. The displays of the paintings range between 15th until 19th century, with a large collection of the luminophiles movement. The categories of the paintings are:

• 15th to 18th century: Highlights being Le Petit Paresseux, Twelfth Night Cake and Hector.
• Paintings from outside France.
• Paintings from 19th and 20th century, most of them from Fauvist painters.
• Sculptures
• The famous “The Wrath of Achilles” by Francois – Leon Benouville.

Nature and history collude in order to make this Botanical Garden one of the most visited destinations in Montpellier. One of the oldest Botanical gardens in Europe, Jardin des plantes was established in 1593 by King Henri IV, under the leadership of Pierre Richer de Belleval, professor of Botany and Anatomy. The garden is a pleasant relaxing escape whose flora and fauna bespeak of the garden’s historicity. The beauty and significance of the garden can be testified from the fact that it served as a model for designing all the botanical gardens in France. The garden has grown out its humble proportions which consisted of just a "mountain" - plus space for a plant collection. Today, the garden consists of a systems school, an arboretum, and a landscaped park. Strolling around the garden, the visitors will come across:

• Montagne de Richer - a Cistaceae collection
• Systematic Garden: Here, the plants have been classified according to the Bentham & Hooker system, 1883.
• Medicinal plants
• Succulents
• Orangery and cold greenhouse
• Palm trees
• Arboretum
• Greenhouse
• Naturalized Plants: flora which belongs to a locale other than their place of origin.

The magnificent mountain of St. Loup can be seen from everywhere in and around Montpellier. The mountain stretches between Cazevielle and Saint – Mathieu – de- Treviers. Covered with Holm oaks, kermes oaks, Aleppo pines, rock rose and many more, the summit of Pic Saint Loup houses a hermitage, an old chapel and a dodgy broken watchtower. Coming down, the visitors can find the ruins of the Montferrand Castle which has been standing there since 1108. The views of the summit extend over the cavennes and the Grand Causses. From the south, the trekkers can see the coast and the city of Montpellier. The area is quite famous for gliding as it has usually very strong wind. You can also resort to a wine tour around the estates on the mountain in order to discover this stunning and sublime landscape enveloped in the aroma of the “garrigue”. The trekkers are advised to go in the morning with food and drinks, hike to the summit, appreciate the views and go back to Cazevielle to taste its traditional beer.

A perfect example of Meridional Gothic architecture, the Montpellier Cathedral was earlier a Benedictine chapel which became a Cathedral in 1536. It was done on the occasion of transfer of see of Maguelonne to Montpellier. This is the only medieval church in Montpellier and displays a major work by Sebastien Bourdon. Some of the highlights of this national monument are:

• The court of honour of the Faculty of Medicine, formerly the cloister of the monastery.
• The Lepine organ
• The bell tower
• Canopy porch supported by two monumental cylindrical pillars.

Located in the eastern end of the Jardin du Peyrou, Porte Du Peyrou is a triumphal arch designed by Francois Dorbay. Replicating the world famous Porte Saint Denis in Paris, the arch is crowned by Doric entablature, symbolic of a martial monument. The arch was dedicated to the glory of Louis XIV with panels and inscriptions in praise of him. The reliefs embedded within its structure serve as allegories for:

• Capture of Namur by Louis XIV.
• Louis being crowned by Victory, symbolised by the figure og Hercules.
• The digging of Canal du Midi.
• The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

The arch is situated on the highest point of Montpellier and therefore, offers a stunning view of the city and the surroundings.

Chateau de Flaugergues is definitely one of the ways through which the visitors can come across the “ Classe Superieure” of France. It is a castle near Montpellier which preserves the antique furniture and collection of Flemish tapestries. The chateau is an example of the follies (country mansions) which were constructed around 18th and 19th century by the French aristocrats so as to serve the King. Constructed by Etienne de Flaugergues, the mansion stands for grandeur surrounded by elaborate French gardens. The visitors shall be struck by the large windows, the back wall and a gigantic staircase. Some of the items which are stored inside are:

• 18th Century Furniture.
• Five 17th Century Flemish Tapestries.
• Collection of high – quality porcelain and earthenware.
• Documents relating to the history of Montpellier archived since 18th century.

The property is both a vineyard and a tourist site that offers a variety of wines to be tasted during its visit.

Located inside the Villa Gallo- Roman, Musee Villa Loupian is a time travel into the past. Resting upon the remains of an Ancient Farm Villa, the museum houses interesting artefacts recovered from excavations. The main points of interest inside the museum are:

•  Nine rooms situated in L- shape foundation.
•  The Reception Room: A large room containing four apses used for when the master met with his managers.
•  The Banquet Room: Room meant for entertaining guests.
•  The Mosaics: their uniqueness lies in fact that they blend the influences of distinct countries, Aquitaine and Syria.

France is well – known for its culture of staging comedy. Any tour to France cannot be considered as complete without attending the spectacle of humour which has always defined the country’s role in literature and drama.

A unique experience of its own kind, Kawa Theatre welcomes its visitors with its grand interiors ringing with roars of laughter and conviviality. The theatre selects the best of the comic plays, following its tradition for over 10 years. The tourists can look at the programme on the theatre’s website and can book a ticket for an ultimate comic laden experience.

Situated in the heart of Odysseum, the Planetarium Galilee offers a fun-filled educational journey into astronomy. With a range of entertainment filled activities for everyone, the Planetarium has become an important attraction in Montpellier. The special activity involves the presentation of shows on the hemispheric screen above the seats. The session usually is composed of two parts: - a film projection – an explanation of the night sky. The visitors shall be left wonderstruck with the latest digital imagery that imitates the real experience of travelling through the galaxies and stars. They can combine their visit to Planetarium with that to the Odysseum, an open air shopping mall with a range of restaurants, a bowling alley and shops.

Located in the centre of Montpellier, the Basilica Notre – Dame is inextricably linked to the history of Montpellier. Designed in Baroque style, the Church is considered to be the mother church of the city. Located in the college street, the Church was constructed under the guidance of architect Jean Giral. Tourists visiting Montpellier can definitely take an afternoon out in order to look at this historical / religious monument. Inside the Church, the visitors shall be able to locate:

• The choir and the altar of the statue of Saint Roch, Montpellier child, St. Firmin, Bishop of Uzes.
• The Great Organ
• The Three bells called as “Our Lady of Tables”, “Emmanuelle-Julie- Isabelle” and bumblebee or bell of victory.

Chateau de la Mogere attracts visitors with its 18th century design set against the backdrop of palm trees. The world recognises the art of French gardens and visiting the open spaces of this chateau will make you come across this historic art in all its beauty and elegance. The garden houses a large fountain built up out of thousands of little seashells and carries a number of cherubs. On the other hand, the inside of the chateau houses some of the best artistic archives of history such as that of Jean Jouvenet, Hyacinthe Rigaud and Jacques-Louis David. The visitors shall also come across 18th century furniture and ornamental plasterwork with garland patterns.

Musee Languedocian exhibits a range of collection of archaeological finds and objects of art belonging to prehistoric and Gallo Roman age. In addition to the other important museums in Montpellier, the visitors can visit this site in order to understand the historicity of Languedoc region. Some of the important displays within the museum are:

• Ancient Greek and Egyptian statuettes.
• Medieval tapestries.
• 19th century tin- glazed earthenware.
• A fine collection of silverware: made by the silversmiths of Montpellier between 17th and 19th centuries.
• A fragile wine cup made in 1666.
• Spice Box made in 1718.