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.