Travel to Montpellier and its surrounding areas

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Montpellier and its surrounding areas, France-Languedoc-Roussillon

With twice as many sunny days as the national average and a multitude of fountains, giving the city its nickname of 'city with 100 fountains', Montpellier is a paradise for lovers of ?heliocentric' tourism. However, these two arguments should not be the only reasons why you choose to visit Montpellier, it is also a city rich in places of interest. With an historic millennium-aged centre, the city is abound with cultural attractions and cultural heritage. It is, therefore, unsurprising that most of the life in Montpellier takes place on the beautiful squares, which are the result of a rich architectural history.
One of the most representative examples is the Comédie Square; a junction between the old and the modern buildings of the young Antigone district, this place is a privileged meeting point for the local population. It is pleasant to wander between the 19th century theatre (whose architecture is similar to the Opera Garnier), the haussman style buildings, the fountain of the Three Graces and the many restaurants and bars. You can also discover the city's most spectacular building, the Saint Peter Cathedral.
If strolling invariably rhymes with nature for you, just a few metres away you will be able to stoll along the Charles de Gaulle esplanade and the 7 acre wide Peyrou Park. The latter has over 500 metres of green spaces, trees, benches and open-air cafes on the hilltop surrounded by the city. This contrast of city, nature and open spaces can be found when you go down to the younger districts like Antigone or the area around the region hall, which sometimes has firework displays at night which are reflected in the Lez river.
Finally, the city of Montpellier is extremely welcoming and open to students. It is a modern university city, teeming with cultural life (dance festivals, the Mediterranean film festival among others) and museums, with an exceptional quality of life where the sun is always shining!

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Visit Montpellier and its surrounding areas

• To see

  One of the most representative examples of the beauty that characterises Montpellier is the Place de la Comédie. A crossroads of the historic neighbourhoods and the modern buildings of the Neoclassical Antigone district (created during a project led by Architect Riccardo Bofili), this square is the popular meeting point of the city's inhabitants. All styles converge here: you will find a 19th century theatre (a replica of the Opera-Garnier in Paris), Haussmannian buildings, and The Three Graces fountain. You will also discover the most spectacular structure in the city: St. Peter's Cathedral.

  A large number of townhouses were built between the 16th and 20th centuries.

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  To do

  A stroll. Nothing out of the ordinary, you might say; but Montpellier will surprise you. Indeed, the city includes many green spaces, pedestrian zones, and Medieval-style streets.
  Take advantage of nice weather to discover the historic district of Écusson, Antigone, Peyrou Park (over 7 acres of greenery roll out at your feet from top of the hill!), and the Amazonian Greenhouse at Montpellier's Zoo.
  If the weather isn't that great, visit the Fabre Museum: just a few feet from Place de la Comédie, its collections bring together works of art that were created between the 15th and the 21st centuries.
  
  Every year in July, the city hosts the famous Festival de Radio France: a treat for music lovers (from classic to reggae, including rock influences, jazz improvisations, and of course the traditional and modern trends). In 2011, the festival was held from the 18th to 25th of July.

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  To think about

  Montpellier boasts the highest population growth in France; 43 per cent of the population here is under the age of 30.
  The young people here ensure the artistic and cultural spirit which attracts tourists from France and elsewhere.
  
  An urban and cultural destination, the region was a land of passage of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Iberians, Ligurians and Celts. Montpellier was born as a Roman colony in 123 BC, south of a major road running between Italy and Spain and north of the salt route: to this day it remains an important commercial crossroads.
  The city is also known for its French language studies.

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• To avoid

  For a long time, the Mosson neighbourhood was one to be avoided.
  Today, the regeneration of the most working-class areas and neighbourhoods has given it a more harmonious and lively image.
  In fact, the only risk you run in Montpellier is having to refuse trying another dish or not having one last beer in the evening: it would be a genuine shame not to appreciate such special gastronomy to the very end!

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  To try

  If you're on a diet, you'll find it impossible to stick to it when you come to Montpellier; the rule here is to enjoy everything to its fullest! Whether it be of food or drink, the star of the Languedoc-Roussillon region will give you a thousand reasons not to leave the table.
  The gastronomy truly reflects the essence of a seaside, sun-filled and inventive city: try Lucca olives and some fish-based dishes, always generously served with sauces and spices.
  The regional wine menu offers a range of colourful products, which you will find in many of the wine bars in the city centre, each one a kind of informal wine library where you can learn about the production of quality white, red, and rosé wines.

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  To bring back

  Why come back? A city brimming with culture and just three hours from Barcelona, Montpellier is an excellent destination for your holidays!
  You can continue your Mediterranean adventure by visiting Nimes, Marseilles or Nice, depending on your mode of transport. Although if you visit them all, you might end up quite tired by the end!

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