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Montpellier. City guide. Like its Occitan neighbour Toulouse, Montpellier finds its vibrancy in its huge student population. With a population approaching 500,000, it's not a huge city but visitors will find more than enough things to pass the time.
Town: When compared to many cities that surround it, Montpellier has a relatively young history, as its first settlement only dates back to the 10th century. Situated south of the roman road, the via Domitia, and close to well-travelled salt and pilgrim routes, the village grew rapidly in the 11th century as it became something of a pit-stop for pilgrims.
During the 13th century, Montpellier's proximity to the sea meant that it became a very important trading center between the Mediterranean, northern Europe, and Spain. The town became known as a centre of learning for Islamic thought and schools of law and medicine were established in the city. In 1289, Pope Nicholas IV granted the established schools the titles of Universities.
In 1349, Montpellier became a French possession, and for a while after it was considered to be one of the Kingdom's most important cities. However, throughout much of the 14th century, Montpellier suffered from successive plagues which decimated its population. The city became a major centre of the Huguenot faith in the 16th century and was thus heavily involved in the Wars of Religion which engulfed much of France.
But Montpellier recovered and its reputation as a trading centre grew. During the 17th century, the city became the royal capital of Languedoc. With the 19th century came the introduction of wine making to the area and the town boomed until a fungal disease destroyed nearly a third of the vines in the Languedoc.
The 1960's finally brought about a change of fortune for the city. The population rose by over a third as ex-patriots and immigrants arrived from Algeria. Over the past twenty years, Montpellier has continued to grow under the uncompromising vision of the socialist mayor, Georges Frêche and the city has became a major centre of research and development.
Today, the city, with over 70,000 university students, continues in its role as one of the educational centres of France.
This is a beautiful, bubbly city. Its pedestrianised medieval core is relatively intact and the centre for all the action - shopping, dining and partying too. Although Montpellier is not in fact a very old city - it was founded in the 10th century - history winks at you from every street corner. To the south of the city, there are the beaches of the Mediterranean for those who want to escape the bricks and mortar. And to cap it all, the locals like a game of rugby too.
Location: Montpellier is a city in the south of France. It is the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon région, as well as the préfecture (administrative capital) of the Hérault département. The city itself is located about 10km inland from the Meditterean on the River Lez.
Tourist attractions: Montpellier's beating heart is the café-lined Place de la Comedie and it's also a great place to start exploring the historic centre of the city. Take rue de la Loge (the premier shopping street) where you will reach Promenade de Payrou, a beautiful park on two levels which gives great views of the city and the sea.
The Musee Fabre is perhaps the city's most famous museum. It has recently undergone extensive renovations and houses an extensive collection of the luminophiles movement. Take time to visit Place de la Canourgue too - one of Montpellier's most beautiful and authentic squares. From there, you can admire the view of the 14th century St. Pierre Cathedral.
On rue Auguste-Broussonnet, you will find Le Jardin des Plantes, France's oldest botanical gardens. Post-match hostelries: The medieval part of Montpellier is choc-full of countless bars and cafes. Place de la Comedie will probably be the first port of call for those looking to chill out on the terrace with a demi. However, if you are looking to let your hair down with the trendy student set, Place Jean Jaures and Place de la Chapelle Neuve are the quarters to hunt for.
Café Joseph is the pick of the bunch in Place Jean Jaures while Le Vert Anglais has more of a laidback quality to it. Neither of these bars could be considered 'rugby bars' as such but both are wonderful spots for a good night on the tear. Fitzpatrick's also comes recommended for a bit of craic.
Café Joseph. 3, Place Jean Jaurès. Montpellier 34000
Le Vert Anglais. 3 Place Castellane. Montpellier 34000
Accomodation:
Luxury:
Holiday Inn Metropole. 3, rue du Clos René.
Tel : 04 67 12 32 32. City Centre
Le Jardin des Sens. 11 avenue Saint Lazare
Tel : 04 99 58 38 38 Outskirts of Montpellier
Sofitel Montpellier Antigone. 1, rue des Pertuisanes
Tel : 04 67 9 72 72. City Centre
Mercure Antigone. 285, bld de l'Aéroport International Tel : 04 67 20 63 63
Mid-Range:
Mercure Montpellier Centre. 218, rue du Bastion Ventadour Tel : 04 67 99 89 89. Location : City Centre
Hôtel Kyriad Antigone. 890, avenue Jean Mermoz
Tel : 04 67 64 88 50. Location : City Centre
Hôtel Ulysse. 338, avenue de Saint Maur
Tel : 04 67 02 02 30. Location : City Centre
Budget:
Hôtel les Fauvettes. 8, rue Bonnard.
Location : City Centre. Tel : 04 67 63 17 60
Best Hotel Euromédecine. 861, rue de la Croix Verte Tel : 04 67 61 01 30. Location : City Centre
Hôtel Cosmos. 7 rue du Général Campredon Tel : 04 67 92 43 97. Location : City Centre
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - 29 OCTOBER: Percy Montgomery and his wife Tamsin celebrate South Africa... 
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