Montpellier: Facades that make me Happy
Like. Swipe left. Thumbs up. These are but a few of my first impressions of Montpellier, one of the fastest growing cities in France.
The first to leave its mark is the architecture. In the vieux part around Place de la Comedie, you’ll see many fine examples of historical, beautiful, and detailed buildings reminiscent of Paris. There’s the Gaumont (the movie theatre), the Opera House, and the buildings around the Trois Graces fountain. Then travel south along the Lez River and see some bold, stylish, and unique buildings such as the Mairie (town hall) , Le Nuage (a sport and fitness centre) and many residential and professional edifices, some sporting embossed metal facades while others are covered with a living wall of greenery, that line the wide avenues.
Getting around town on those avenues is quite easy with Tramway lines that get you to the city’s main attractions. There are two malls (indoor Polygone and open air Odysseum), monumental churches (St. Pierre and St. Roch), Museum (Fabre), and even the beach! Take a walk back in time around Place du Peyrou and see the Aqueduct, and with its statues and mini Arc de Triomphe, feel like you’re in the French capitol. Be sure to check out the Faculty of Medecine - Montpellier is the birthplace of western Doctors! And for 10 euro for a 10 ride family pack, the Tramway is not a terrible bank breaker.
And if tramming it isn’t your style, Montpellier is a fairly walkable and definitely a bikeable city. Our hotel, the Courtyard Marriott was well situated on the banks of Le Lez, the coastal river and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and parks. The hotel offered our 5-year-old twins and their 6 year-old brother a great morning start with a free breakfast. The staff and especially Manager Hassan were very friendly and accommodating. Flanking the Courtyard Marriott is a terrific path ideal for strolls and cycling. We rented some bikes at nearby Cyclable and took the path, which is 5 year-old manageable, all the way down to Palavas les Flots, which will have its own post coming up!
History. Shopping. Beach. Family-friendly Montpellier. And it has palm trees! What’s not to like?
