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Things to Do in MontpellierTips for a Vacation in the South of France
Montpellier is often overlooked by first-time visitors to France, but this vibrant university town has plenty to do and offers an authentic slice of French life.
Montpellier is a city in the Languedoc region of France, a short bus ride from the Mediterranean and known for its three universities. The city is very pedestrian friendly, and there’s also a Tramway and a bus system. There’s plenty of shopping, cafes and restaurants, parks, entertainment, and a busy nightlife. Here are some suggestions for finding your way around and seeing the most popular sights. Place de la ComédieStart at the Place de la Comédie (from the train station, go out the doors and straight uphill on the Rue Maguelone until you reach a large, busy square). Comédie is French for opera, and the magnificent opera house is certainly worth a photo or two. You’ll find several outdoor cafes here, a Monoprix grocery store, the Cineplex, and the famous angels statue. Legend has it that if you crawl through the fountain and kiss one of the angels, you’ll have good luck, but make sure the police aren’t nearby if you do. On your way from the train station to the Place, you’ll notice the TAM office on your right. This is where you can buy a card for the bus or the Tramway. The Tramway tracks run right in front of the Monoprix. The carousel is also here, as is (regrettably, perhaps) a McDonalds, or MacDo as the French call it. If you venture further down the square, in the opposite direction from the opera house, you’ll come across two big shopping attractions – Sauramps, a huge bookstore that is worth checking out, and the Polygone, a large shopping centre. Be sure to try the waffles (gauffres) at the stand upstairs. On the other side of the shopping centre is Antigone, a ritzy new district with classic architecture that’s good for a walk or some photo-ops. Shop and SightseeFrom the Place de la Comédie again, take the street to the left of the McDonalds, called the Rue de la Loge. This is a great shopping street, and also features a number of chocolate shops and creperies – but be vigilant! Keep walking, because there’s more ahead. On the right is the Place Jean Jaurés, home of the very popular Café Joseph. Café by day, dance club by night, this is a favorite student hangout and features some interesting cocktails. When you reach the intersection with the Rue Foch, veer left and follow that street until you come to the Arc de Triomphe. No, obviously not that Arc de Triomphe, but Montpellier features a smaller one, and you just may be able to fool some friends if you take a photo. Beyond the Arc is a lovely landscaped terrace called the Promenade du Peyrou, home of the Château d’Eau, or House of Water. If you look past it, you’ll see the Roman aqueducts leading to the Château, where Montpellier stored its water in ancient times. The Languedoc is a region rich with Roman history – if you have a car you should also visit the Roman Pont du Gard nearby, an even more impressive aqueduct. Get Lost on PurposeKeeping a basic idea of your sense of direction, venture back a different way. Turn around and go left along the wide ring road, crossing the street when you see the university buildings. This is the medicine faculty, and beyond it the Cathedral, both of which are beautiful buildings worth photographing. From here, wander back in the general direction from whence you came. Montpellier is full of narrow, hilly streets, and you’ll discover a new shop, restaurant, or square if you find your own way. Often, this is the best way to see the city!
The copyright of the article Things to Do in Montpellier in France Travel is owned by Judith Faucette. Permission to republish Things to Do in Montpellier in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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