Via Domitia Roman road and settlement remains
by Kate-Me
The city of Nîmes was situated on the Via Domitia, a Roman road constructed in 118 BC, connecting Italy to Spain.
Just a few kms from the village of St Christol, (about 20 kms from Montpellier) our hosts took us to see an archaeological site of the Via Domitia (site of the Ambrussum).
Part of the area is still fenced off and under excavation, but a good portion of it is open to the public, with several interpretive sign boards in French. You can even walk on the old roman road yourself (it's the pathway through the site) and see the old wheel ruts.
One of the best things about this site was that it was almost completely deserted, and at least during the week, few people visit it.
A pleasant, leisurely walk and visit, quite unspoiled and natural. I highly recommend it (if you can find it, that is - I don't think we'd ever have come to this place if not for our friends showing it to us).
Promenade du Peyrou
by salinhopt
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.
On a cloudless sunny day, of which there are many in this part of the world, you can see the Pic Saint Loup and the foothills of the Cevennes.
Montpellier, the old and the new
by Kate-Me
Montpellier is a city in the south of France, capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon région, 10 kms inland from the Mediterranean coast.
It is one of the few cities in France without (Gallo-)Roman history and background.
Montpellier was first mentioned in a document of 985, and was founded under a local feudal dynasty, the Guillem counts of Toulouse, who joined together two hamlets, built a castle and walls around the settlement.
There are just two surviving towers of the city wallis, the later built Tour des Pins and the Tour de la Babotte.
Montpellier came to prominence in the 10th century as a trading centre, with trading links across the Mediterranean world.
The city has a nice botanical garden, the first in France, founded in 1593.
We only spent one day in and around the city itself, but another 4 days elsewhere in the region, while staying with our local friends Erick and Mary.
Studying in Montpellier
by grannysmith
I spent 3 years studying art in Montpellier.
I confess I chose art because it wasn't taught at the university of the pacific in Tahiti and I desperately needed to see different horizons.
I had friends going there as well so I decided on the south of France and Montpellier. The fact that they accepted me also played a big part!
Adapting to the French in metropolitan France way of life was difficult but always interesting.
Montpellier will always be in my heart as part of what growing up is all about: I didn't go to uni much but I sure learnt a lot!
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View of the Pub across from the tracks
A Small Carousel Rider
A street in Montpellier
Place de la Comédie in a rainy day
