Montpellier Travel Guide
Travel guide to Montpellier, France with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Montpellier sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Montpellier Overview
Montpellier is a relatively small city in the south of France, with a population of around 220,000 people.
The city is renowned as a seat of learning, with the University of Montpellier one of the oldest in France, having had a charter since 1220. One of the famous students of the past was Nostradamus, who no doubt would have had something to say about the students that now inhabit the halls; probably that they have a great time here! The city seems to thrive on the energy generated by the students and younger residents of the city, giving it an air of excitement and love of living that permeates through to all who come here.
Montpellier has long been involved with the higher aspects of life, no doubt because of its place in the educational hierarchy. As the pinnacle of learning it was here that the development of medicine in the 13th century began. Nowhere else had the breadth and depth of knowledge to manage such a task. This basis in culture and knowledge led to many architectural developments too, with many delightful buildings from the 15th to 17th centuries standing here.
For the modern visitor the city is like a step back in time in many ways, so well preserved and prevalent are the older buildings. It is also what the city has built itself upon, creating its own image - one that it wishes to maintain.
The city of Montpellier has been built upon education, which has always been concentrated on the young. This creates the vibrancy and energy that maintains the city's heartbeat.
Top Montpellier Attractions
Montpellier is a cultural wonderland, what with the many fine buildings, museums and galleries. The Fabre Museum, with artworks from around Europe is outstanding, as is the Chateau D'Assas, a wonderful listed Summer House full of 18th century style. A trip to the Botanical Gardens is also not to be missed, being the first in France, founded in 1593.
Shopping in Montpellier
The city has, as would be expected of a University city, a mass of bookshops, providing both old and new, collectable, educational and entertaining. There are also many small shops where the more bohemian styles of clothing can be found, in addition to the high fashion shops. There is also a large shopping centre, called Le Polygone, where the majority of the major high street names can be found.
Montpellier Sporting Events
Rugby and Football are the main sports in France, with Montpellier represented in both codes. Perpignan are an excellent rugby team and receive great support from the locals. In football Montpellier Herault are in the French second division, working hard in a strong league.