Are you also a traveler who is looking for adventure in every corner of the globe or the person who just loves to travel and organize at least one a year? Is there a lack of ideas in your head and you’d rather experience something different? Well, whoever you are, this article is here for you to give you ideas and inspiration because you love travelling and dream of your next destination.
Your list will include France for sure and more specifically Paris, as it is the first destination that comes to mind. This time, however, we are going to explore the south, and discover treasures near the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you decided to travel for a few days or a few months, then pack your things first for Montpellier, the town of Hérault in Languedoc-Roussillon, the intersection between Spain (west) and Italy (east), and trust me you will not regret it. It is a magical place to visit at any time of the year, while having direct access to nearby cities easily and economically.
So pack your luggage or backpack and let’s go!
If you travel from Greece, then you should keep in mind that your trip, along with the airplane, will include and other means of transportation, as there are no direct flights except connecting ones. The most economical way to get there is to travel through Marseille or Barcelona with airplane and then book a bus ticket. If your start line is another country, the chances of travelling directly are also minimal, so note the countries closest to yours and then take a look at the trains.
Wandering around the city center
Place de la Comédie
After a long hour journey, you manage to arrive at your destination ready to leave your things in the hostel or B&B and bump out in the streets of this charming city. The first thing you can do is to discover the center on foot, as you can reach Montpellier’s heart very quickly with line 1 of the tram. And of course, we are talking about the great Place de la Comédie, which is adorned with majestic buildings, including the Opera House. It is the place where you can enjoy a French breakfast in one of the small cafes observing the vibrant colors of the city, accompanied by the music of wandering artists. Then, a walk in the green Charles de Gaulle Square with the lake is all you need before you get lost in the beautiful alleys.
In terms of weather, Montpellier keeps its charm alive whether you are there on a sunny day or you need an umbrella. The architecture of the buildings is unique and conveys to you the sense of the era they were built. Small and large alleys lead you to magical places and you feel that you still have a lot to see.
The Cathedrals, the Botanical Garden and the Fabre Museum
Your steps can easily lead you to the three most beautiful cathedrals among those of St. Roch, of St. Anne and St. Pierre, whom you can admire externally, even if they are open at specific hours. If you are a nature lover, the botanical garden Jardin des plantes is the right place to come in contact with a wide variety of plants from many places and to relax from the noise of the city afterwards. If you love art on the other, then the three-story Fabre Museum is waiting for you to admire modern exhibitions that take place very often.
© Eleanna Skartsila, voyagingtheworld.com
Check also “Around the South of France: Béziers, Nîmes, Toulouse, Avignon“
Place Royale du Peyrou
Coming at the end of your exploration you head to the Arc de Triomphe of Montpellier, which dates from the 17th century. It is an amazing entrance to this part of the city in front of the Palais de Justice and across from Place Royale du Peyrou where you can see the statue of Louis XIV. At this landmark point of Montpellier, you will enjoy the view to the fullest as the sun is going to sleep.
Check also “Paris: 10 wonderful shots”
Where the French Montpellierains hang out?
For an afternoon coffee
Wherever you look in the alleys of the city you will see small shops and cafes everywhere. Don’t miss to go to La Maison des chats, a cute cafeteria with cats where a very calm and friendly atmosphere prevails. As well as Le Bookshop, which is located on Bras de Fer Street with its colorful Parisian flags, where you can enjoy your coffee while reading a book.
Nightlife
In case you are planning your night out, don’t forget that you have to be consistent in their schedule. After midnight the options are limited, as well as transportation. The French options include Melt down for music and dance, the Circus bar for a relaxing drink and finally the Irish pub O ‘Carolans.
And now that the day has come to an end, you have experienced something new and different from the previous ones.
But what is there beyond the city center of Montpellier? Check here what should be next in your itenerary.
