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Must Visit Attractions in Montpellier

, 13 Options Found

Located close to the historic city center, the exterior of Saint Pierre Cathedral is distinguished by its twin towers rising above the surrounding buildings. The current entrance is by the unassuming doorway in rue du Cardinal Cabrières, next to which one can still distinguish the marks of shots fired by Royalist troops in 1815. Worth noting is the restoration of 19th-century stained glass windows and paintings, most notably the demise of Simon le Magicien by Sébastien Bourbon (1621).

This historic building is located three kilometers (one mile) east of the city center. Once a country house, this family property now finds itself and its surrounding parks and vineyards entirely swallowed by the city. The Château de Flaugergues which dates from the 17th Century and its collection of 17th and 18th-century furnishings and art (including a large collection of optical instruments) can be visited throughout the year (though the timings differ). Outside the house one can admire the gardens à la française as well as the château's own vineyards (Coteaux de la Méjanelle) whose wines can be tasted and bought on site.

Located in the historic city center, this immense, pedestrianized square is the heart and soul of Montpellier. Deriving its name from the first theater built in the 18th Century on the site of what is now the Opéra, this expansive square is the site of major open-air shows and daily street entertainment. At the center of the square, beneath the handsome facades of the surrounding 19th-century buildings, is the fountain of the Three Graces.

This wide promenade extends from the Place de la Comédie up to the rose-colored Corum building. Trees and fountains welcome those seeking to escape the summer heat or bustle of the city center. The far end of the esplanade looks out across the northern district of the city and the stairs leading up to the roof of the Corum offer an even wider panorama. On the west side of the esplanade is the Musée Fabre while to the east is the museum's pavilion and the Champ de Mars gardens - within this space are several contemporary statues (notably Baldini's Le Vent) as well as classical ones. The mini-train and horse-drawn carriages also use the esplanade as their point of departure for tours of the city.

This long, raised esplanade extends out from the city center towards the Arceaux district. Ornamented with a triumph arch, the Promenade du Peyrou offers a far-fetching panorama of its scenic environs. The views from the promenade stretch from the Mediterranean to Pic St Loup and beyond, towards the gorges of the Herault to the north of the city. Thanks to its higher elevation above the city of eternal sunshine Montpellier, many visitors find that it is the perfect spot to relax in the calming setting away from the bustle. In fact, the promenade has been a popular rendezvous point and a socio-cultural hub since 1689. Visitors can stroll under the shade of ancient sycamores, explore the weekly antique fair, or enjoy a picnic.

Opéra Comédie is an Italian-style opera house that was built in 1888. Constructed in an elegant, classical style, the building's foyer has a marble staircase and surrounding statues. Inside, the stage is set off by a beautiful gilded ceiling that has gorgeous, detailed paintings. Attending a performance here is not only a rewarding cultural experience, but a treat for the senses. Opéra Comédie presents choral and symphonic concerts in addition to its opera performances. Check website for a complete schedule of upcoming events.

Standing on one end of the Jardin de Peyrou, this triumphal arch is one of the city's most impressive sights. Modeled after the Porte Saint-Denis in Paris, the Porte du Peyrou in Montpellier was designed by François Dorbay and completed in 1693. Large bas-relief panels were added to the outside of the structure in 1715 to commemorate the achievements of King Louis XIV. A small door under the vaulted archway provides access to the interior of the monument and a staircase winds up to the rooftop terrace for a magnificent view of the city.

Parc Zoologique de Montpellier functions as the home of 100 different indigenous and exotic species. No tiny or concrete cages are to be seen and the spacious enclosures and vegetation allow the animals some privacy. A little patience is amply rewarded by the possibility of seeing zebra, antelope, camels and even cheetahs in a habitat of woodland and shrubs. With 9 kilometers (5 miles) of paths to explore and several picnic sites, the zoo allows a relaxing yet active and educational visit. The Parc Zoologique de Montpellier is also home to a restaurant where you can retire to when your wildlife expeditions have left you famished.

Part of the Montpellier Zoo, the Serre Amazonienne is a greenhouse-like structure that houses exotic animals and plants indigenous to the Amazon rain forest. The 10-minute walk makes for a fascinating journey as you see and smell things from such a unique and interesting warm climate. Children will enjoy seeing animals like the Bolivian squirrel monkey or the leopards. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking through the Montpellier Zoo, the second largest in France.

The success of Quartier Antigone, built during the 1980s remains much debated. The stone-colored concrete edifices are the work of architect Ricardo Bofill and the whole development has been described as a parody of neo-classicism. The quarter is located just behind the humongous shopping center, Polygone and was designed as an extension of the city center towards the River Lez. The central avenue with its series of pedestrianized squares leads down to the enormous semi-circle of the Esplanade de l'Europe. While at times, the quarter can resemble a gigantic tomb, it is in fact a very pleasant and lively area.

On the sands of the Gulf of Aigues-Mortes, the architect Jean Balladur created not only an entirely new seaside resort but a very distinctive town. The buildings in this resort are characterized by multi-colored pyramids and undulating curves. If the modernism often appears superficial and kitsch, this has not stood in the way of its success. Over thirty years later, the town welcomes around a 100,000 holiday-makers every year despite its steep prices. To keep them amused, the town offers an enormous range of facilities, including numerous golf courses, a casino, marinas and then, in the unlikely case that one has any spare time left, there are always the beaches.

Created in 1593, today, the Le Jardin des Plantes is a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding metropolis. It contains a wide variety of both indigenous and exotic species, as well as several trees that date back to when the garden was founded. The paths intertwine on different levels and the garden contains several small follies, canals, grottoes and many busts of bearded botanists. Other features of this beautiful garden include an orangery, tropical greenhouses, a bamboo garden, rock gardens and even a small duck pond.

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