Montpellier is one of the most popular and 8th largest cities in France. This city is located in the southern region and considered as one of the sunniest cities of France. This city holds a lot of history which will take you back in time. This city is between the sea and mountains which makes its climate awesome.  The inhabitants of this city are known as Montpellierains. The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world and was established in 1220. The medical school of this university is also very old and still in operation. After the year 1990, this city has grown very strong in terms of economic and demographic growth in the country. This city is nicknamed as the ‘Gifted’, as it has a very rich cultural life and Mediterranean climate that explains its enthusiasm. Almost 70% of this city’s population includes students as this city has many famous universities especially in the field of medicine and law. Globalisation and World Cities Research Network ranked Montpellier as a Sufficiency city. Not only this, the think tank LCD nominated this city for the best Emerging Culture city of the year 2017. This city is also adorned with green and many actions in favour of ecology. This city is considered as a scientific and cosmopolitan city as it always stands out for the quality of its research and researchers.

When to visit Montpellier, France

May to July is the best time to visit this city. It has excellent weather at that time of the year. In the month of July, the sun stays in the sky for the longest time of the year, so you will get a lot of time to enjoy your daytime activities if you visit this city. At this time, you can enjoy the popular events, festivals, music and many more things in the city. Printemps des Comedies is the city’s comedy festival which continues from the start of May till the end of the month. In the month of June, Live Architecture Festival captures the people’s attention and at one of the city’s closest beaches, kite-surfing competition kicks off in May which is popularly known as Festikite. 

What to know about Montpellier, France

Climate

This city generally has a very mild climate with cold winters and hot and sunny summers. Chances of rainfall are also there during the winter season. The air blows quite often making you very cold. The temperature usually doesn’t go very low but there will be times when you will feel intense cold. Snowfall is not very common in this city but once every few years, you will see a very heavy rainfall. The average temperature in the winter season is around 5.7. In the summer season, there are around 2,400 sunshine hours per year. The average temperature in summer is around 23.7.

Currency

Euro is the official currency used in Montpellier. Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted throughout the city. ATM’s are also available in the city which can be used in need. There are currency exchange and exchange bureaus at the airport where you can go and exchange your money.

Transportation

If you are in this city to enjoy your holidays and to visit the wonderful places here, then public transport is the best way for you to travel around.

Trams

Buses

Car rental

Train

Motorbike hiring

Taxis

Language

French is the official language of Montpellier and almost every person speaks it. Apart from it, English is also spoken in this city as this city is mostly crowded with students from different cities and countries. But if you are visiting this city, then it is advisable to learn a few basic words to communicate in French.

The Montpellier Danse Festival

The Montpellier Danse festival is one of the most popular festivals in the city and was founded in 1981. This festival takes place every year in the month of June. This festival aims to be a meeting point for all forms of dance and all world cultures.  This festival was an initiative by the city of Montpellier and the national choreographic centre. There is a building in the city ‘Agora’, which is completely devoted to dance where this festival mainly takes place. This festival is open to every audience and for a complete fifteen days many international choreographic talents perform in this city. You will be surprised when you will see these dance performances, as they are extremely wonderful and seem magical. 

Place of attractions in Montpellier, France

Musee Fabre

Musee Fabre is a very popular museum of Montpellier, founded by Francois Xavier who was a painter. It was founded in the year 1825 and mostly consists of European art. It is one of the biggest art galleries in the city. The museum consists of paintings from outside France, paintings from the 15th to 18th century (highlights being Le Petit Paresseux, Twelfth Night Cake), famous sculptures, paintings from 19th and 20th century (mostly from Fauvist painters). There are special facilities in the museum for those who are blind, deaf, and dumb or have problem in hearing. This museum will provide you with a lot of information which you have never heard of. This place is definitely worth a visit. 

Jardin des plantes de Montpellier

The Jardin des plantes de Montpellier is the oldest botanical garden in France and arboretum. This botanical garden was founded by Pierre Richer de Belleval in 1593. Today this botanical garden is home to almost 2,680 species of plants, including 500 native to the Mediterranean region. Among these numbers 1,000 species are grown under glass, and 2.000 species are grown outdoors. This whole garden is an excellent example of natural beauty and covers about 11 acres of the land. This beautiful garden is open for all every day except Mondays. If you want the tour of this botanical garden in English then you have to write a written request and submit it at least one month before your intended visit.