Montpellier in France attractions, information, and curiosities

Montpellier in France is a city located in the south of France, just a few kilometres from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

This part of France, where Montpellier is located, called Occitania, is full of interesting places, popular resorts, and charming towns. So why should you choose to visit Montpellier? Well, there are many reasons, and one of them is certainly that in Montpellier you will find many attractions and landmarks, including the oldest university in the world, whose students were, among others, the famous Nostradamus.

Montpellier in France and its History

Originally, where Montpellier now stands, there were two villages separated by the Lez River. Legends tell the story of how the elders of both villages competed in literally every aspect. Whenever something new appeared in one, the other village had to have the same.

One day in 737, a royal architect arrived in one of the villages and, after brief negotiations, agreed to build a bridge, which was named “From Our Side to Yours” (de notre côté au vôtre). The leaders of the village on the other side of the river were not to be outdone. They raised enough money so that, once the first bridge was completed, the architect started building a second one just a few dozen meters away.

This second bridge was named “From Us to You” (de nous à vous). When the bridges stood side by side, the inhabitants of both villages began to mix, and after a few years, the small settlements merged into the town of Mons Pessulanus, which today is called Montpellier.

Years passed, and the city grew in strength. Thanks to the convenient crossing over the river, Montpellier intersected numerous trade and pilgrimage routes leading to the Spanish Santiago de Compostela. Here, according to legend, the body of Saint James, one of the twelve apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ, lies.

The city changed its name to Montpellier after the marriage of Peter II of Aragon to Maria Montpellier. The king named it in honour of his new, beautiful wife.

After receiving city rights in the 10th century, there were plans to move the city closer to the coast, but frequent and bold pirate raids discouraged the planners. The city remains to this day at a short distance from the sea. Despite this, Montpellier did not escape numerous and bloody events that took place in this part of Europe in subsequent centuries. At one point, it was even sold for 120,000 gold ducats by King James III of Majorca to King Philip VI of France.

Thanks to the establishment of the world’s first university with a medical faculty in the city in 1180, Montpellier became a major cultural and economic centre. This also led to a natural division of the city into two parts: the northern part, where new university departments, research institutes, and laboratories were emerging, and the southern part, where industrial plants and warehouses were developing. This division essentially exists to this day.

Montpellier in France and its attractions and places worth visiting

Montpellier in southern France is a student city, with university students making up over one-third of its population. The presence of students is visible at every turn. Numerous restaurants, bars, and student clubs are one of the city’s highlights.

However, Montpellier is primarily known for its landmarks and streets, which invite aimless strolls and wandering from one attraction to another. Below, I will list interesting places that we particularly enjoyed:

• Place de la Comédie – The central square of Montpellier, bustling with life, surrounded by cafés, shops, and the stunning Opera House.
• Promenade du Peyrou – A picturesque promenade featuring the majestic Château d’Eau and the Arc de Triomphe, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Montpellier Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier) – A magnificent Gothic cathedral dating back to the 14th century, showcasing impressive architecture and religious art.
• Porte du Peyrou – An iconic city gate leading to the historic centre, adorned with intricate carvings and offering a glimpse into Montpellier’s rich history.
• Musée Fabre – The largest art museum in Montpellier, housing an extensive collection of European paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to the contemporary era.
• Jardin des Plantes – A charming botanical garden with a vast array of plant species, perfect for leisurely strolls and peaceful moments amidst nature.
• Pavillon Populaire – A cultural centre dedicated to photography, hosting captivating exhibitions and events throughout the year.
• Aquarium Mare Nostrum – A fascinating aquarium showcasing marine life from the Mediterranean Sea and beyond, providing an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Exploring Montpellier’s vibrant streets and historic landmarks is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the city’s dynamic culture and heritage.

Montpellier and Place de la Comédie, called Comedy Square, and the Three Graces fountain in its central point

The Place de la Comédie in Montpellier, France, is a location you’ll always stumble upon, no matter how lost you may feel in the city. It serves as the central square, surrounded by numerous restaurants and bars.

The name of the square comes from the theatre that once stood in its central part. Unfortunately, the famous building was destroyed by fire in 1855, but the name endured. While strolling through the square, you cannot miss the beautiful and rather grand fountain named the Three Graces (La Fontaine des Trois Graces). This structure dates back to 1755 and was created by the sculptor Etienne d’Antoine. The pinnacle of the fountain, adorned with intricately hand-carved titular Three Graces, is particularly stunning. The pedestal of the fountain is a structure made of stones, on which cherubic figures are seated in several places.

The Three Graces are Greek goddesses of charm, beauty, and joy. In Greek mythology, these figures are portrayed as young and beautiful girls who enjoy playing, music, and dance. They are considered patrons of the fine arts and craftsmanship, as well as young and talented individuals. Their names are Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Bloom), and according to legend, they were the daughters of Zeus and Hera (in some myths, they are the daughters of Helios and Aegle). These three beauties were the constant companions of the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and it was they who dressed their mistress every morning and combed her hair. In European culture, the Three Graces symbolize popularity, healthy and flourishing life, as well as cheerfulness and good fun. I believe this is why they found their place atop the fountain in Montpellier.

The Place de la Comédie in Montpellier culminates in the northeast corner with the charming Esplanade de Charles de Gaulle park, where old and sprawling trees provide pleasant shade for the city’s residents and visiting tourists on the hottest days.

Citadel of Montpellier

The Citadel of Montpellier is a former fortress standing in the heart of the city, which was built from 1624 to 1627 by order of King Louis XIII. The great stronghold was to watch over Montpellier and protect it from pirate raids from the sea, but above all from rebels from neighbouring provinces.

The citadel is separated from the city by a wide esplanade, which in the past served as a training ground for soldiers. The fortress boasted four bastions arranged in a square plan. Two of them were facing the city: the King’s Bastion and the Queen’s Bastion. From the plain side, there were the Montmorency and Ventadour bastions.

Today, the facility has been adapted into a school, and the interior of the historic monument is inaccessible to visitors. This fact is very surprising, considering the immense historical value of the Citadel of Montpellier. Fortunately, you can still stroll around the former fortress, fortifications, and barracks, which have become a rather lovely park.

Montpellier and the Arc de Triomphe Porte du Peyrou

The Porte du Peyrou is a Triumphal Arch in Montpellier, France, located at the eastern end of the Jardin de Peyrou park, not far from the city centre.

The Triumphal Arch of Montpellier, France, was designed and built in 1693 by architect Francois Dorbay, modelled after the Porte Saint-Denis Triumphal Arch in Paris. The sculptures and decorations on the surface of the arch indicate that it is a war memorial. Bas-reliefs and decorative panels depict King Louis XIV of France, known as the Sun King, and were added in 1715.

On the walls of the arch, you will see four main sculptures. The first of these depicts the conquest of Namur during the War of the Grand Alliance. It captures the moment when the defeated commander of the enemy forces kneels before Louis XIV. The latter is depicted in the likeness of Hercules. The remaining bas-reliefs are in a similar tone.

The building is huge and makes a significant impression. Initially serving as a city gate, it now serves as the entrance to the green area in Montpellier, very popular among students who gather in large numbers on the nearby lawns.

Montpellier and the Place Royale du Peyrou

The Place Royale du Peyrou in Montpellier is a park located just behind the Triumphal Arch, which is a favourite relaxation spot for students and residents of the city.

This place is part of the historical district of Montpellier, which includes the previously described Triumphal Arch, the old water tower, and the city aqueduct, which looks fantastic when viewed from the side of the historic tower.

The park is intersected by the Promenade du Peyrou, which runs through the Triumphal Arch to a wide and open viewpoint overlooking the city and its surroundings. In the square stands a monument of Louis XIV depicted on horseback, his hand extended to point ahead. Besides the monument, the square is home to a beautiful, historic water tower designed and built in the 18th century in a classical style, similar to other monuments in this part of Montpellier.

Every Sunday, the square hosts antique and vintage markets where you can find real treasures for a small amount of money. One student told us that last year he bought a chair for a few euros and sold it to a museum for over 2,000. As you can see, it’s worth rummaging through antiques occasionally.

The square hosts various cultural and sports events. Famous festivals and concerts organized by students and the city authorities take place here. However, the most beautiful spectacles occur every evening when the sun sets and Montpellier takes on deep, pastel colours, and the Place Royale du Peyrou is the perfect place to watch this spectacle unfolds.

Montpellier in France and the Aqueduct of Saint Clement Aqueduc Saint-Clément

The Aqueduct of Saint-Clement in Montpellier connects distant water sources from Saint-Clement to the water tower at the Place Royale du Peyrou.

The aqueduct is 800 meters long, and the entire route the water flows through to the city stretches for 14 kilometres. The structure stands at a height of 22 meters and consists of two types of arches, spanning 3 and 9 meters, respectively. It is precisely near the aqueduct in Montpellier, where the aforementioned antique markets take place.

The aqueduct is truly impressive, and it seems to me that it gives the whole city a unique character. The aqueduct still operates today, and the water obtained from it feeds most of the fountains in Montpellier.

Montpellier in France and the oldest university in the world, Université de Montpellier

The University of Montpellier in France (Université de Montpellier) is a fascinating historical landmark and an incredible tourist attraction. It belongs to the group of top universities in France.

The university in Montpellier was founded in 1180, and interestingly, it is not the oldest school in the city. Twenty years earlier, a law school was established in Montpellier, which eventually became part of the university. The year of its foundation is still somewhat debated today, as many periodicals consider the papal bull Quia Sapientia of Pope Nicholas IV in 1289 as the moment of the university’s establishment.

The group of people responsible for the university’s foundation were individuals trained in medical sciences in Spanish Muslim schools (historically, Europeans learned from Muslims). The medical faculty established at the very beginning still operates today, making it the oldest medical school in the world.

In 1529, a certain Nostradamus enrolled to study at the university of Montpellier. Unfortunately, he did not complete his studies, as it was discovered that he was secretly trading medications he had produced himself. The document expelling him from the university can be seen in the university library. Ultimately, Nostradamus obtained a medical degree and became a professor, as confirmed by his portrait hanging in the university gallery.

Visiting the university is done in guided groups, and it’s advisable to organize such a tour in advance, as the number of places is limited.

Of course, the above attractions are just some places worth exploring while in Montpellier. In addition to these obvious ones, there are also quite unusual attractions. These include:

• The Babote Tower is a remnant of the 12th-century city fortifications in Montpellier, located near L’Ecusson, the historic center of Montpellier. This place gained fame and recognition after an observatory was built on the tower in 1740. The Babote Tower is associated with a certain story, the authenticity of which is not entirely certain. It is said that in 1783, Sebastien Lenormand, the man who invented the parachute, jumped from the top of the tower to test his invention. Allegedly, he survived the jump, indicating that the parachute worked.
• The Cathedral of Saint Peter is a Gothic sacred building from the early 14th century. You can easily find it as it stands right next to the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montpellier.
• The Botanical Garden is the oldest of its kind in France. It was established in the 16th century for medical students studying at the University of Montpellier.
• The Fabre Museum is the perfect place for art lovers. It houses the second-largest collection of French painters’ works, after the one in Paris.
• The Anatomy Museum is precisely what you think it is – it contains parts of human and animal bodies, which is why the museum is often called the Museum of Horror.

If you would like to recommend or tell us about other attractions in Montpellier, we will be happy to listen and expand the above list.

Montpellier in France practical information

Montpellier is a very pleasant city, and it would be a shame to miss it when travelling through southern France. I believe it’s worth taking a break in Montpellier and using the time to explore the city’s main attractions.

If you arrive in Montpellier by car, you should park it away from the city centre, as most streets in the centre are closed to traffic, and parking spaces are scarce (especially in summer). I’ve noticed something peculiar about the parking lots—namely, all the roads leading to them are equipped with very high curbs! I’m not talking about slightly higher curbs than those in our cities, but about gigantic ones, measuring 30 or even 40 centimetres in height. I have no idea what purpose they serve apart from making it easy to scratch your car’s body. Additionally, the streets are narrow and mostly one-way, believe me, driving in Montpellier is not too enjoyable.

A cool attraction of the city is its colourful trams, which change colours every year or according to the latest important events.

If you’re just passing through the city, I recommend taking a stroll along the Promenade du Peyru, during which you’ll walk from the city centre to the Triumphal Arch and the statue of Louis XIV. For us, it was a pleasure to get lost in the maze of narrow streets, thanks to which we found several cool restaurants and student bars, where life pulsates literally all day and often well into the night.

If you get tired of wandering around the city, I recommend taking a break at one of the urban beaches, such as Villeneuve-les-Maguelone, which is the most popular among the city’s residents.

Montpellier in France facts, information, and curiosities

• Montpellier in France is one of the few cities in this region that does not have roots dating back to Roman times. This is why there are not as many obvious ancient monuments here as you will find when visiting other towns along the coast of the Balearic Sea.
• Montpellier was granted city rights in 1141.
• In 1160, 20 years before the university was founded in the city, there was a law school operating there.
• The University of Montpellier was founded in 1180. One of its first faculties was the Faculty of Medicine.
• One of the most famous alumni of the University of Montpellier was probably Nostradamus (Michel de Nostre-Dame).
• The city is currently inhabited by about 230,000 people.
• In Montpellier, France, there is a monument to Lenin. It was created by a local left-wing activist and regional councillor of Montpellier, Georges Frêche. The statue is 3 meters tall and made of bronze. It is part of a pantheon of significant figures of the 20th century.

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