Montpellier Things to Do

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Situated at the North of the City it is where the aqueduct brought water into the town. Being French, it doesn't look like a water building at all, more a work of art. It's called teh Chateau d'Eau. The Promenade is a wide open space with some trees and benches where you can stroll and people watch as much as you like. There were a couple of stray dogs playing in the area, I watched for a good half hour to see if the owners appeared but no. A group of school children stopped nearby to have lunch and a rest and some of the more energetic boys started playing run and chase with the dogs. It was a lot of fun to watch, but as the school group prepared to leave, the dogs became quite upset as they realised that their playmates, now part of the pack, weren't staying.

The statue on horseback is Louis XIV.

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The Cathedral is the only church still standing after the Wars of Religion in Montpellier. It is not of great importance, but the turrets of the church are a pleasant sight. Next to it are the 13C ancient buildings of the first Faculty of Medicine in modern times.

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At the depth of the Promenade of Peyrou stands the chateau d'eau a most elegant structure and a nearby is the eastern end of the 880 m long aqueduct, a most unexpected creation, carrying into the city the waters for the town. Just as surprising is the Corinthian Temple which acts as a reservoir at this point with its handsome shape.

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At the center of the Promenade there is immense equestrian statue of Louis XIV dressed as a Roman Leader directing his Legions, set at the highest site in the city. However, although the statue was begun by d'Aviler, it was only finished in 1776 by Giral, when it was put in place.

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In the western part of the city one passes along the Rue Foch until it ends at Arc de Triomphe built in 1691 commemorating the victories of Louis XIV in battle. Here the Promenade of Peyrou extends further west to further monuments. But first we must see Arch itself decorated with its bas-reliefs as well as close by regal nearby statues and the Law Courts.

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This is a Sunday place for the younger child to experience his first carousel ride and for slightly older ones to have their first pony ride, but above all there are crepes, gautres and ice cream to conclude with. There are carriage rides through the surrounding area too.

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Here there are fountains, kiosks serving gaulettes and crepes, a small carousel, pony rides and carriage drives. Ways for the pleasures of a Sunday morning and for more serious study there is the Fabre picture galleries immediately near by.

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At the center of the Place is the Three Graces Fountain. To the north of it, the Place continues as the Esplanade and eventually becomes the Champs de Mars garden which leads to the 17C Citadel. Also in this direction but more to the east is the Polygone district. Near the center the streets to the west contain many fine mansions with the closest to the Esplanade being the Museum Fabre, with its fine art collections.