Clapiers and Montpellier are both situated in the Department Herault (34) on the edge of the Provence. This history-loaded area has to offer numerous attractions for the vacationer: Gorgeous landscapes, loaded with traces of the Romans, impressive cities, clean beaches and Southern France's sunny climate.

General information about Montpellier

Only a few kilometers from the Mediterranean lies Montpellier, the secret capital of the Languedoc. The city has hardly any industry, but instead it boosts an incredible, huge and progressive university, a variety of cultural offerings and its intellectual and warm-hearted people.

Montpellier has one of the largest universities in France. Its medical faculty is one of the oldest in Europe (founded in the early 13th century) and it is one of the best known institutions.

The old part of the city is situated exactly in the center of the town. The best area to start a tour is at the Place de la Comedie, which stretches out before the opera building. From here, the Rue de la Loge leads to probably the most vibrant plaza in Montpellier, the "Place Jean Jaures". Until the early afternoon fresh fruit is being sold here, but also clothes and jewelry. As soon as the market closes, it imediately fills with the tables and chairs of the surrounding cafes.

The "Rue de la Loge" soon leads into the "Rue Foch", which leads up to the Promenade du Payrou. This is a broad boulevard, accompanied by tall trees and colorful flowerbeds, with the statue of Ludwig XIV. in the middle. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset over the mountains of the Cevennes.

The style of these gardens dating back to the late 17th century deviates a bit from the architecture of the rest of the old Montpellier, it dates back to the 14th and 15th century. The facades of the houses along the Rue de le Loge may appear simple, but if the visitor manages to get a view of the inside, he will find gorgeous, carefully designed courtyards. The cathedral St.-Pierre dating back to the 14th century is the only church in Montpellier which has survived the religious wars. Next to it you will find the Medical Faculty with the Musee de l' Anatomie (nothing for weak stomachs!).

On the other side of the boulevards you may want to explore the Jardin des Plantes, the Botanical Garden. It was created in 1593 by Heinrich IV and is the oldest in France.

The "Place de la Comedie" in the heart of Montpellier

Links to interesting destinations in the area:

Attractions around Montpellier (english) Attractions in the department Herault around Montpellier
Saint Guilhem le Desert An absolutely unique and incredible monastery and village not too far from Montpellier in mountains of the Cevennes.
Nimes Nimes - the city of the Romans and of the Provence
Arles Arles - discover 2000 years of history
Aix-en-Provence Aix - the charming partner city of Tuebingen (Germany)
Cap d'Agde Cap d'Agde - a mediterranean paradise
Carcassonne Carcassonne - an extremely unique middle-aged city of fortresses
Aigues-Mortes Aigues-Mortes - a wonderful small fortified little town close to the sea and not far from La Grande Motte
Pont du Gard Pont du Gard - the Roman Aquaeduct of Nimes