Sites of Interest in Montpellier

Museums

Montpellier, France hosts two impressive collections of art. One is the Collection of Roger Atger. It also displays a rare collection of French, Italian and Flemish drawings including sketches by Fragonard, Watteau, Donatello and Caravaggio that date from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The other is the Musée Fabre, which occupies a former Jesuit college. This museum displays an impressive collection of works by Courbet, Delacroix, Géricault and 17th century Flemish and Dutch paintings. It includes collections of Napoleon, the realist painter Gustave Courbet and the local painter Francois Fabre. Musée du Vieux Montpellier is another museum displays memorabilia from the middle Ages to the Revolution focusing on the history of Montpellier. It has a large collection including traditional costumes of the region, local crafts and various pieces of furniture.

Promenade du peyrou

Laid out in 1689 by d'Aviler, the Promenade's two tiers of terraces were built at Montpellier's highest point to provide an impressive setting for festivals and a commemorative equestrian statue of Louis XIV. In the 1760 the aquaduct was erected to bring water to a hexagonal tower called Château d'Eau at the other end is the Arc de Triumph built in honour of Louis XIV in 1691.

Jardin des Plantes

The botanical garden, said to be the oldest in France, was planted in 1593. It is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. This beautiful garden features a tropical greenhouse, a bamboo garden, rock gardens and even a small duck pond. The reservoir at the southern gate was constructed in early 19th century to distribute water.