South of France Video Tour: Montpellier, Part 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ค. 2013
- In this video tour, David Hill of New York Habitat (www.nyhabitat.com) explores France's thriving city Montpellier! Montpellier is located in the South of France, near the Mediterranean Sea. Because of this, Montpellier is usually thought of as summer holiday destination. Although Montpellier is definitely worth visiting in summertime, the city is also a great place to visit in the cooler months, because of its lovely mild climate.
Montpellier has been the fastest growing city in France over the past 25 years, and is now the 8th largest city of the country. Furthermore, it's the 3rd largest French city on the Mediterranean coast, after Marseille and Nice. Montpellier is a fantastic shopping destination, and also a cultural hotspot.
Place de la Comédie
The tour starts at Montpellier's famous square the Place de la Comédie, which is often considered to be the heart of the city. The square dates back to before 1755, and is surrounded by beautiful building such as the Opéra Comédie, which houses the city's famous opera company. On the square itself you can find the impressive Three Graces Fountain, which was sculpted in 1790. In wintertime the Place de la Comédie is the place to get your holiday shopping done, as a Christmas Market is held here every year. Lastly, you can find many cafes and restaurants around the square.
Musée Fabre
One of Montpellier's best-known museums, the Musée Fabre, is located just two blocks north of the Place de la Comédie. The museum was founded by the Montpellier-born painter François-Xavier Fabre in 1825. A collection of his works formed the basis for the museum. Nowadays, the museum also displays paintings from the 17th Century up to the 19th Century, as well as several statues and other ceramic works. The museum is classified as a "Museum of France".
The Polygon
If you come to Montpellier for the shopping, the huge shopping center Polygon is a good place to start. Located just east of the Place de la Comédie, the Polygon houses everything from well-known global brands to famous French stores. For example, a branch of the famous French department store Galeries Lafayette is located here. You'll also find shops such as Zara and H&M.
Stay in a Montpellier Vacation Rental Apartment
The best way to experience Montpellier is to live there like a local! We have many vacation rental apartments available in Montpellier with great locations so you can experience the best of the city. And if you enjoy the city so much that you want to stay for a longer period, we also have furnished rental apartments in Montpellier where you can truly feel at home.
Montpellier's City Center the Ecusson
The historical city center of Montpellier is called the Ecusson. This area is full of narrow cobblestoned streets, beautiful French architecture, and small boutiques. If you prefer small independent shops to large department stores, the Ecusson is the place to go. The Ecusson neighborhood also boasts many great cafes and restaurants. If you want to have a proper French lunch or dinner, just stroll around the city center and pick a brasserie you like.
The Odysseum
For those of you who do like big department stores, the Odysseum is the shopping destination to check out. Located to the south-west of the city center of Montpellier, this massive complex houses big brands such as Apple, Ikea, H&M and Zara. Furthermore, there's a lot more to do here. The Odysseum features a big aquarium, a bowling alley, a rock climbing facility, and more. Plus there are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy some good food in between al the activities.
City Hall & Antigone
For lovers of modern architecture, the new City Hall is definitely something worth seeing. The contemporary glass structure was designed by Jean Nouvel, and opened in November of 2011. The main hall and the surrounding grounds are all open to the public. Another great display of architecture from the 20th Century is the Antigone neighborhood. The neighborhood features buildings designed by Ricordo Bofill in a grand neoclassical architectural style. The region including the arch-shaped Hotel de la Région and the impressive apartment buildings is nicknamed the "Champs-Élysées of Montpellier".
We hope you've enjoyed this tour of Montpellier! Check out our blog for more information about the area: www.nyhabitat.com/blog/2012/11...
Did we miss any of your favorite spots in Montpellier? Let us know in the comments below!
Also don't forget to have a look at our other city tours on our TH-cam Channel:
/ newyorkhabitat
I love Montpellier, Grenoble and Lyon.
Lived in Montpellier and it has it all :)
Where's the best n cheap shops for cosmetics and chocolates in montpellier? need guidance
Montpellier is so lovely
It is, isn't it? The city center and its cobblestoned street, Place de la Comédie and the fact that it's close to the sea... We totally agree with you in saying it is a lovely city
I feel in love with France and Montpeiller. I will move there in a short time.
Montpellier is one of the youngest cities of France, and the fastest growing. Definitely an amazing place to be in France!
We just stayed three nights there last summer on our third trip overall to France- very nice video recap of the city- the botanical garden was fun-although we walked all the way around it first (and found a great pastry shop) -the beach is easy to get to, a tram ride on line 4 and a bus -it takes a little while but it's fun in the summer. -The Roman Aquaduct is another nice feature. My only other stops on the coast of France were back in 98, Royan, Narbonne, and Cassis -Montpellier is great!
The people of Montpellier is very kind. Thanks.
This is my favourite city in France and what I have seen in Europe so far I would definitely like to retire in Montpellier
this is the best city to live in the world! How I miss it! You forgot to mention the botanic garden (one of the oldest in the world) and the oldest medical university still in activity.
I studied college there. Haven’t been back in 20 years. It looks so different.
Yes, in France, Montpellier is known as a student town. It certainly has changed a lot in the past 20 years, like so all cities where New York Habitat offers apartment rentals! :)
Have always loved to watch your Paris vids, very glad you have offered information about this part of France too! Informative and entertaining, as always.
Thank you so much for your comment! Indeed, the Botanic Garden is a great place to visit in Montpellier!
Wonderful . Nice city. I love it.
Nice and modern video.
I Love Montpellier !!!
We couldn't agree more ;)
In montpellier is a bar called "cubanito" every summer swiss students sre taking over this bar trust me I know what I'm talking about because I was one of these.. this town is simply amazing..
Hhhhh I know it too and now I'm living in Philadelphia
Go on part one of our video tour of #Montpellier #France and explore the area from the Opéra Comédie to the elegant Musée Fabre. See what makes this city one of the most popular cities to visit France.
www.nyhabitat.com/blog/category/south-france/south-france-travel-guide/south-france-videos/
Travel to #Montpellier in southern #France in this video tour! View it here: www.nyhabitat.com/blog/category/south-france/south-france-travel-guide/south-france-videos/
Good video (excepted the music)
the area with the narrow streets...what is it called again, s'il vous plait?
Luis blanc
L' écusson
Did you know #montpellier #France is the 8th largest city in Europe and offers many things to do and see?
Watch our video tour of this area!: www.nyhabitat.com/blog/category/south-france/south-france-travel-guide/south-france-videos/
I am student here. The real Montpellier is so dirty and dangerous ;(
I can't agree with you. Montpellier is not dangerous!
I have been living here for fifteen years.
I use trams everyday and I have had absolutely none problem. 😊