Discover the Peyrou promenade

Located on the edge of the Ecusson district, the Peyrou promenade is a gateway to the city. The Arc de Triomphe, the aqueduct, the equestrian statue of Louis XIV and the water tower with its terrace provide a majestic backdrop to this promenade, also known as the Place Royale. People come here to contemplate these works of art and monuments dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, but also to get together with friends, family or even on their own. Montpellier residents and tourists alike appreciate this square, which has been a veritable esplanade for centuries. Stretching over two levels, the promontory offers an uninterrupted view of Montpellier's surroundings. You can see the sea as well as the Pyrenees and Cévennes mountains. A wooded park provides shady spots in summer when the sun is shining.

The Peyrou promenade

- © umat34/Shutterstock
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History of the Peyrou promenade

No less than 300 years of history encircle the Peyrou promenade. From a mere mound in the 17th century, this site has become majestic since work was undertaken in 1689 to erect a statue of King Louis XIV in its place. Also known as the Place Royale, the Peyrou promenade was surrounded by walls and became the gateway to the city of Montpellier.

Of the fortified square, only the Arc de Triomphe has survived, inspired by the Porte Saint-Martin in Paris. A majestic water tower, complete with terraces and ponds, was built in 1768 to supply the city's residents with drinking water. This is fed by the impressive Saint-Clément aqueduct. These monuments are still an integral part of the Peyrou promenade, where an air of royalty still hangs over the city.

The triumphal arch on the Peyrou promenade

- © Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

What can you see on the Peyrou promenade?

The esplanade covers more than 4 hectares and extends over two levels. As you stroll along, you can get up close to the monuments and sculptures that make this square so majestic. Facing the Arc de Triomphe, which will surely remind you of the capital, as will some of the city's buildings, you can get up close to the statue of Louis XIV, before admiring the work "les enfants aux lions" created by artist Antonin Injalbert in the Peyrou gardens.

The statue of Louis XIV on the Peyrou promenade

- © RossHelen/Shutterstock

Stairs lead up to the imposing castle and its terrace. Although the pool is off-limits to bathers, this belvedere offers views of the Pyrenees, the sea and the Cévennes on a clear day. It's a calm and relaxing place where many Montpellier residents and tourists gather in summer. In the evening, the park lights up, making the place even more enchanting.

Water tower on the Peyrou promenade

- © Alizada Studios/Shutterstock

Where to eat near the Promenade du Peyrou?

🍴 Le Cinq

Le Cinq restaurant is located near the Saint-Clément aqueduct in the Arceaux district. Highly rated, the restaurant is a local favourite for its home cooking and dishes that oscillate between land and sea. The friendly owners and outdoor parking are also a bonus, not to mention the terrace in summer.

Where to sleep near the Promenade du Peyrou?

L'Hôtel du Palais

The Hôtel du Palais is one of the establishments closest to the Peyrou promenade. It is also just a few metres from the Jardin des Plantes. Family-run and intimate, the establishment offers comfortable and spacious rooms.

Decorated in light, neutral colours, they quickly make you feel at home. Nestled in a Haussmann-style building dating back over 200 years, this hotel is appreciated for its authentic yet modern feel. A single room overlooking the inner courtyard costs around €87. Parking is available 50 metres from the hotel.

Hôtel du Palais Montpellier Montpellier
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Hôtel du Palais Montpellier

A charming hotel with a family atmosphere located in the historic centre of Montpellier.
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Practical information

Opening times: the park opens every day at 7am and closes at 9.30pm, except in winter when it closes at 8pm and in summer when it closes at midnight.

👉 Access: two entrances lead to the promenade, one is on rue Foch via the Arc de Triomphe and the second is on the other side of the esplanade towards the aqueduct and water tower, via the square des Arceaux.

🚌 Getting there: by tram, take line 4 and get off at the Peyrou-Arc de Triomphe stop. By car, the Arceaux car park provides parking not far from the promenade.

by Faustine PEREZ
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