City Overview

Montpellier is one of the liveliest and most progressive cities in the south of France, with a quarter of its population under the age of 25. On a summer evening when the university is in session, it may seem more like a rock festival than the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France.

The name Montpellier is recorded as far back as 985. From its earliest days, this town which is located on the edge of the Mediterranean coast has always been "on the up." It was a stop for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela, traders would halt there on their way along the Salt Route, and students and scholars made it into the first Euro-Mediterranean city by setting up the world's first Faculty of Medicine.

Rabelais, Rondelet and Nostradamus all contributed to the renown of the university, which attracted scholars from all over the world. In 1204, with the "Charter of Customs and Liberties," it became a true democracy, a free and prosperous town. The city, under Spanish Catholic rule for two centuries, then under Protestant influence during the reign of Henri IV, still bears the scars of the Wars of Religion. Only in the 18th and 19th centuries did peace and prosperity return, when, as the center of the Languedoc states, Montpellier acquired true capital status.

As a university city, Montpellier has a young and dynamic population, and has made culture one of its priorities. With its philharmonic orchestra, two opera houses, rock 'n' roll venue and numerous music festivals, Montpellier's dedication to music is undeniable. Dance is also a feature, with the Languedoc-Roussillon national choreographic center of Montpellier, recently set up in new premises devoted entirely to dance, and unique in Europe. Lastly, the Mediterranean Film Festival is a yearly celebration of the movie industry.

Montpellier offers a beautiful historic center (called Ecusson due to its shape) along with some medieval streets and beautiful 17th and 18th century mansions all of which provide an atmospheric backdrop to an animated café life and Montpellier's renowned modern and classical cultural events. And, only a few kilometers away, lie miles and miles of uncrowded Mediterranean beaches. Thanks to its countless historical treasures, the city is officially called a "Ville d'Art". Many street musicians and artists as well as a variety of famous festivals contribute to the cultural life of the city. The warm Mediterranean atmosphere is reflected in the day to day life of the city.

Thanks to its excellent location between Provence, the Camargue, the Cevenness Mountains and the Pyrenees, Montpellier offers a wide range of excursion opportunities. The interior is fascinating and unspoiled with many gorges, creeks and picturesque villages. This is also the biggest wine growing region in the world with many excellent wine to be discovered and tasted! The climate is excellent. Summer lasts until the end of October and one can even sit outside in winter to drink a cup of coffee in one of the numerous city cafes. Overall the sun shines in this region slightly more than 300 days per year.

We are confident that you will find Montpellier to be a wonderful place to discover France.