Mediterrean, smart, attractive, welcoming, festive, both ancient and contemporary Montpellier is an exceptionally rich city, it is also an old university city, it’s university is one of the oldest in the world founded in 1160.
The unspoilt natural environment has been very well kept, such as the botanical gardens which are the oldest in France, founded by Henri IV in 1593.
And there are more advantages besides the unspoiled architecture and gardens, food for exemple. Montpellier’s favorite food is Oysters, thanks to the Étang de Thau, a large lagoon to the west of Montpellier that supplies oysters and mussels. They can be served in a few ways, with herbs and lightly baked, but most traditionally are a simple affair with lemon and a glass of the house white.
Events
Montpellier is hosting each year the FISE festival (International festival of Extreme sports) the event the largest of its kind in Europe and takes place in August-September time.
Access by train
The average journey time by train between London St-Pancras and Montpellier St-Roch is 10 hours and 3 minutes, with around 14 trains per day.
Access by plane
Montpellier is easy to reach by plane from Paris (1h10), London (1h45) and Amsterdam (1h55). Montpellier Méditerranée Airport is just 8 mn from the city center (easy access with regular shuttle service).
How to get around Montpellier
You can visit the city center by foot, from the vast pedestrian areas, including the historical center, medieval streets, plazas, fountains, [eyrou plaza, Antigone, Odysseum and more.
If you cannot reach by foot your destination there is also the tramway which is easy and ideal to visit tourist sites.