A pleasant stroll continues along the handsome Rue Foch, a good place for shopping and casual dining. The narrow medieval streets that intersect with the Rue de la Loge are especially atmospheric.įrom the Rue de la Loge, it's a short walk to the lovely Place Jean-Jaurès, where al fresco restaurant terraces spill out into the square. This grouping of walled medieval quarters surrounds the modern Place de la Comédie and encompasses many top tourist attractions including the Musée Fabre, the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, and the Place de la Canourgue.įor a self-guided walking itinerary of the Ecusson, head towards the Rue de la Loge, the main street in this vibrant pedestrian area, which is brimming with enticing little boutiques. The French word "Écusson" translates to "escutcheon," which describes the area's shape, resembling a shield. The Place de la Comédie is the ideal starting point to explore the historic center of Montpellier, known as L'Écusson. At nighttime, colorful lighting illuminates the Opera House and other buildings, giving the square a festive appearance. The 18th-century Italianate Opéra Comédie theater presents classical music concerts and opera performances. On occasion, street musicians entertain the crowds of people milling around the square. Locals come here to go for a stroll, meet up with friends, socialize at the sunny sidewalk cafés, or attend a performance at the Opéra Comédie (Opera House). In the middle of the square stands the emblematic Fontaine des Trois Grâces ( Three Graces statue).ĭistinguished by its stately 19th-century Haussmann architecture (reminiscent of Paris), the Place de la Comédie is one of Europe's largest pedestrian spaces. The Place de la Comédie is fondly called " l'Oeuf" ("The Egg") because of its elliptical shape. This grand public square is the heart of Montpellier, a center of activity that is busy from daytime until late hours in the evening. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Learn about the best places to visit in this lively historic city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Montpellier. Plus, just 30 kilometers away, the Plage de l'Espiguette (considered one of the best beaches in France) offers a dreamy seaside escape. The city boasts an average of 300 sunny days annually. Getting lost among the narrow cobblestone lanes only adds to the experience of surprising discoveries.įor many travelers, another selling point of Montpellier is the balmy Mediterranean weather. Within this tangle of winding pedestrian streets, visitors can explore art galleries, shop at artisan boutiques, stop at sidewalk cafés, visit exquisite churches, and dine at traditional restaurants.
Trams on the lignes 3 and 4 feature the designer's whimsical artistic renditions of Montpellier monuments, friendly sea monsters, and glittering jewels.Īt the heart of Montpellier is L'Écusson, a conglomeration of atmospheric medieval quarters. It says something that Montpellier commissioned couturier Christian Lacroix to beautify the city's new tramways. Locals also display a sense of art de vivre and an appreciation for fashion.
Like an open-air museum, Montpellier dazzles visitors with its tree-lined boulevards, graceful aristocratic mansions, elegant public squares, and hidden gardens.ĭespite the city's old-world character, trendiness rules in Montpellier, thanks to a youthful university-student population. However, this sun-drenched southern French city has enough attractions to rival Provençal charm and culture. Montpellier, in the Languedoc region, happily sneaks under the mass-tourism radar that overwhelms neighboring Provence. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )
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