Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / France / Languedoc-Roussillon / Herault / Montpellier
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| | | Full of students and history |  | Why go on holiday to Montpellier?
The capital of the Languedoc Roussillon region has an intriguing Centre Historique (old quarter) full of narrow streets, unexpected squares and fine architecture that just begs to be explored. Students make up nearly a quarter of the population ensuring that there's never a dull moment in the evenings with an ever-changing array of lively cafes, bars and clubs open until the small hours.
Beach-lovers can head to Palavas-les-Flots, about 10 miles away and linked by bus or La Grande Motte, about 12 miles away, which has long stretches of beautiful beaches, futuristic, wacky architecture and plenty of ocean and land sports.
How much will it cost?
Low cost airline Ryanair has flights to Montpellier from £40 return. GB Airways has flights from £69 return. There are hotels from £20 per night.
When should I go?
Montpellier has a temperate climate, with mild winters (12C/53F) and hot summers (28C/82F).
Who is it for?
With its lively nightlife, the city is ideal for younger couples and singles, however there is an excellent restaurant scene for gourmets. The historic centre will appeal to many although there are not too many museums for culture-vultures. The nearby beaches will suit families with small children.
What are the must-sees?
Montpellier had plenty of wealthy inhabitants in the 17th century – many of whom built some decidedly flamboyant mansions and chateaux both in the centre of town, and in the surrounding countryside. Nicknamed the Montpellier Follies, some of the 70 or so buildings are now open to the public. These include the Hotels de Graves, St Come and Mirman. The Tourist Office runs guided tours through these beautiful mansions.
If you're a museum person, the Musee Fabre on Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, is the city's showpiece. It has one of France's richest collections of French, Italian, Flemish and Dutch works from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The 19th century building has been closed for thorough renovation but is due to open again in 2007. There are some temporary exhibitions in the pavilion though.
Other museums worth visiting include the Musee Languedocien, which displays the area's archaeological finds and objets d'arts from the 17th to 19th centuries, and the Musee du Vieux Montpellier, which details the city's history from the middle ages to the revolution.
Nature lovers should pay a visit to the Jardin des Plantes, one of Europe's oldest botanical gardens or Montpellier's zoo in Lunaret Park, which has more than 80 species from five continents including brown bear, lion and white rhino, and is free to enter.
Escape the city to the spectacular Camargue nature reserve, just an hour away, which covers 220,000 acres and is home to herds of wild horses and flocks of pink flamingo among its 400 species of bird and animal.
The Unesco-listed Pont du Gard, a Roman aquaduct built in 1AD is a must for history buffs. It is just north of Nimes, 43 miles from Montpellier.
What will I spend?
A Montpellier city pass gives you free entry to many tourist and cultural sites, as well as free public transport around the city. One-, two- or three-day passes (£8.20, £12.30, £15 for adults, £4.10, £6.15 and £7.50) for children) can be purchased from the Montpellier Tourist Office.
A beer (pression) costs around £1.50 and set menu from £7.
Any special events?
The Printemps des Comedians in June is a month-long theatre festival with events taking place in the picturesque Chateau d'O. This year's offerings include Moliere's Le Misanthrope, and Le Cirque Invisible by Jean-Baptiste Thiérrée et Victoria Chaplin. This is followed in July by the Montpellier Dance Festival. Then in November it's time for the popular Camargue Horse Show, which combines lively stunt shows, rodeo and dressage competitions, show jumping, cattle penning and even bull fighting.
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| | Fact File : Montpellier |
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| | | Montpellier | | Did you know
Europe's first medical school was founded in Montpellier in the 12th century.
Language
French
Visas
You do not need a visa to go to France, but take your passport.
Getting there
Low cost airline Ryanair has flights to Montpellier from £40 return. GB Airways has flights from £69 return. There are direct train connections from Paris (three hours, 15 minutes), Lille (four hours, 50 minutes) and Lyon (one hour, 40 minutes).
Flying time from London
Just under two hours.
Getting around
A Montpellier city pass gives you free entry to many tourist and cultural sites, as well as free public transport around the city. One-, two- or three-day passes (£8.20, £12.30, £15 for adults, £4.10, £6.15 and £7.50) for children) can be purchased from the Montpellier Tourist Office.
Currency
Euro (€)
Costs
A beer (pression) costs around £1.50 and set menu from £7. A roll of film (24) £2.50; litre of petrol 70p; four-mile taxi ride £4. Costs can vary.
Weather
Montpellier has a temperate climate, with mild winters (12C/53F) and hot summers (28C/82F).
Time difference
GMT +1
International dialling code from UK
00 33 (0) 4
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Plugs are two pin, so adaptors are needed.
Opening hours
Most museums close on either Monday or Tuesday. In July and August — France's annual holiday period — many shops and businesses will shut down completely. Shop opening hours vary but most take a long lunch and stay open till 7pm. Few shops open on Sunday.
Health – before you go
No jabs needed. We have reciprocal medical care agreements with France. Take an EHIC form with you (available from your post office).
Health – when you are there
No major health problems in France. French pharmacies are usually marked by a green cross and can be very helpful.
Emergency
Police, Tel 17; Ambulance, Tel 15; Fire, Tel 19; British Embassy: 16, Rue d'Anjou, Paris.
Customs
French shops invariably close for a good couple of hours at lunchtime. Do as the locals do and enjoy a lengthy lunch to pass the time.
Pets
Under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme you can now take your dog or cat to France, with all the required paperwork and vaccinations. This takes several months to set up — check with your vet for details.
Tipping
By law, cafe, restaurant and hotel bills include service. Most people leave loose change in a restaurant. In taxis a tip would range from 30-70 cents, but you could go mad and leave one euro (about 68p).
Tourist office
Montpellier Tourist Office, 30 Allee Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, 34000 Montpellier, France Tel: 00 33 4 67 60 60 60, www.ot-montpellier.fr
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| | Available rental properties in Montpellier |
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