Introduction

Montpellier is beautiful and historic with a long tradition as a university city. It is located 471 miles SW of Paris, 100 miles NW of Marseille and 31 miles SW of Nîmes. Named the capital of Mediterranean (or Lower) Languedoc, this ancient university city is still renowned for its medical school, founded in the 13th century. Today Montpellier is a bustling metropolis, one of southern France's fastest-growing cities thanks to an influx of new immigrants. The city has a handsomely laid out centre, with tree-flanked promenades, broad avenues, and historic monuments. Students make up a quarter of the population, giving the city a lively, animated feel. In recent years many high-tech corporations, including IBM, have settled in Montpellier. Often nicknamed the Oxford of France on account of its academic community, Montpellier is a city of young people, as you'll notice if you sit at a cafe at the Place de la Comédie, admiring the Théâtre making it the ideal place to chat and people-watch!

Information

The local tourist office is situated in the "Pavilion de L'Hotel de Ville" here you can obtain free maps of the city and change up your foreign curency.

Eating and Drinking

Montpellier is literally packed with good restaurants and cafes. Head to the Place de la Comedie for the most extensive cafe culture. It is here that self caterers can find an extensive ground floor grocery section. The nightlife in Montpellier is extemely lively due to the high number of students. The best nightspots are place Jean-Jaurès, rue de Verdun, and rue des Écoles Laïques If you prefer a quieter evening you could take a walk down rue de la Loge for its carnival atmosphere of talented jugglers, mimes, and musical artists. For more details and up-to date information be sure to buy "le Sortir" magazine once you are in Montpellier for a full list of social activities.

Don't Miss

If you're an avid shopper don't miss "Le Polygone", a modern shoppping complex where you can buy almost anything you need. Check out if you get time the Fabre Museum, here you can see works of art from the 19th century onwards. Don't forget to take a stroll around Promenade du Peyrou, a huge tree lined square. You can always find a quiet spot to spend an afternoon relaxing after class and admiring the view of Montpellier. Don't forget to visit the Arc de Triomphe, erected in 1691 to celebrate the victories of Louis XIV. You will see an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, and the Château d'Eau, a pavilion with Corinthian columns that serves as a monument to 18th-century classicism. Water travels here via a 9-mile-long conduit and aqueduct.