Europe counts 240 Smart Cities, of which 18 are situated in France, and the ”smartest” is Montpellier. This is the conclusion in the latest Smart-City study from the University of Vienna, based on six criteria established by the Austrian urbanism-expert Rudolf Giffinger. In short, and to cut academic corners, we are talking about sustainability and intelligent administration of everything from transports over urbanism to economics.
Jump on line number 1 with the joyful swifts or the flowery number two. They both cut through the heart of Montpellier, lovingly nicknamed l'Oeuf, the Egg, because of the oval form. The official name is derived from the Opera presiding at the lower end, originally built in 1755 but burnt down no less than three times. Montpellier is perfect for combining a city-holiday with relaxing on the beach (the Mediterranean Sea is only 20 minutes away) and sightseeing in the very varied Herault-departement. It is possible to reach the biggest sights within 30 to 60 minutes.
If you are
based elsewhere you can easily see the best of Montpellier in one day
especially with a dayticket to the tramway. If you arrive by car then park it
in one of the special P-tram carparks. For 4,40 euros (2014) you get all day
parking and a return-ticket covering all passengers in the car provided that you
travel together. City-bikes, paid by credit-card, are another possibility but
not perfect in the old town as there are many ups and downs. Check for
tram-lines, car-parks and city-bikes on this interactive map: http://tam.cartographie.pro/
You could start your day at the impressive Peyrou-esplanade with the imposing equestrian statue and the antique-inspired temple. The view is breath-taking not only over the city but also towards the back-country with the bluish mountains in the horizon.
Continue through the Montpellier’s triumphal-arch which leads into the old town. Cross over the beautiful Place de la Canorgue on your left. From here you’ll get a first glimpse of the jagged towers of the Cathedrale Saint Pierre, Languedoc’s largest religious building. It is also one of the more curious with its dungeon like towers protecting the entrance.
Just behind the cathedral you will find the botanic garden, Jardin des Plantes, one of the oldest existing in Europe and which offers an oasis in the bustling city. Please notice that these years the garden is undergoing restauration so some parts might be closed to the public.
Built into the cathedral lies Europes oldest medical school still in activity. As early as the 14th century hundreds of students from all over Europe came to Montpellier to follow the reknowned anatomy-courses. Today most of the students have moved to more modern spaces. They have been replaced by tourists who as a new feature can now visit the beautiful old halls and the anatomical collection which over the centuries has grown to become one of Europe’s largest. If you feel up to it, and have got ice in your stomach, then don’t hesitate to visit la Conservatoire d'Anatomie. However children under 12, pregnant women and persons allergic against formaldehyde are denied entry because of the quite scary skeletons, mommies, wax-reproductions and various conserved body-parts and misfits. The Anatomy-collection is included in the guided tour of the medical school organized by the Tourist Office and it is necessary to reserve beforehand.
The ancient convent, Ursulines, which for some time housed a prison, has now been transformed into a center for modern dance and Montpellier is famous for its dance festival, Montpellier Danse, in June and July. Rue Sainte Ursule leads down to the cosmopolitan alley Rue de l'Aiguillère – one of the liveliest streets in the old town. Three lovely squares invite for a cup of coffee or a light lunch and boutiques sell garments and decor objects from the four corners of the world as well as specialties such as the charming vintage toy-store Pomme d'Api.
Rue de l'Aiguillerie leads down to Montpellier’s main shopping street: Rue de la Loge. Here you will also find the market-hall, most lively in the morning, with good possibilities for a delicious snack but also Place Saint Roch a bit further on is a good resting place where you can relax while studying the impressive trompe-oeil painting on the house facades. Montpellier has a lively café- and entertainment life thanks to the numerous students from all over the world.
Art lovers should not miss the newly restored Musée Fabre, which presents changing expositions as well as a rich collection of paintings spanning 500 years up until modern times with a fine collection of arts and crafts as well as a reconstruction of a noble family home. The museum is situated on the shady esplanade leading down to Place de la Comédie with Montpellier’s landmark, the famous fountain with the three inciting maidens, Les trois graces. In olden days their generous forms were covered up when the religious processions passed by… What you see today is a copy – more resistant against pollution. The original statue is now housed in the Opera’s foyer just next by. You can find the program here: http://www.opera-orchestre-montpellier.fr
From the Place de la Comédie you easily reach Montpellier’s famous modern Antigone-quarter, designed in 1980 by the Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, who has sought inspiration in the classical antiquity. Symmetry, harmonious lines and lovely perspectives characterize this new part of town which is gradually creating its own atmosphere with cafés and markets.
Power shopping is possible in no less than two big commercial malls, either the Polygone-center just next to Place de la Comédie, or the shining new shopping- and entertainment center Odysseum at the terminus of tram number 1. More than 100 shops lie along two shopping streets in open air with cafés and restaurants as well as a multiplex cinema and the huge aquarium Mare Nostrum, which is well worth a visit. More information and inspiration on http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/ If you liked this article then sign up for our newsletter.