Esplanade du Peyrou and les Arceaux by BurgerQueen
What better way to spend your time in Montpellier than by taking a stroll through Esplanade du Peyrou, a large open space lined either side with trees that provide welcome shade from the powerful summer sun. As you enter the esplandade, your eyes will focus on the statue of Louis XIV, just in the middle of the square, and on a monument opposite to the entrance. It will look like a fountain, but it actually is an old aqueduct, called Chateau d'Eau (Water Castle) dating back to 1768. It still provides water to the fountains of Montpellier. The view from here is breath-taking.
Starting from the Water Castle, the aqueduct continues for 880m, with an impressive structure made up of 53 arks: Les Arceaux, form which the surrounding area takes its name.
An impressive market is held under the arks on Sundays, with an abundance of fresh, local produce. There's plenty of choice and it's always bustling without being too crowded.
