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Montpellier's constant stream of newcomers soon discover that there's plenty to see and do in this young, cosmopolitan, university city: it has something for everyone, for all age groups and at all kinds of prices… Not only has the city much to offer culturally - reflected in the excellent choice provided by its theatres, cinemas and galleries - party animals will welcome the city's dynamic nightlife, and walking enthusiasts will enjoy Montpellier's superb location, just a short distance from the coast and mountains.

Museums and Galleries

Culture lovers will enjoy the city's wealth of art, in particular the fine collection of European paintings (from Renaissance times to the 20th century) on show in the Musée Fabre, the forever changing and totally captivating exhibitions held in the Galerie Photo de l'Esplanade, the Carré Saint-Anne's display of contemporary art, or the artwork on show in the Galerie d'art Trintignan. Open to all, the Musée Agropolis retraces the evolution of farming and the food processing industry worldwide and looks into their future. Those interested in local history should make a beeline for the Musée Languedocien, which has magnificent antique and medieval collections, as well as the Vieux Montpellier museum for its antique objects and furniture.

Cinemas and Theatres

Film buffs will find that Montpellier is well catered for the cinema-wise with two huge multi-plexes: the Méga CGR and the Gaumont Multiplexe, both of which are situated on the outskirts of the city. Art-house cinema doesn't do badly either with the city's four Diagonal film theatres screening films in their original languages.

As far as theatre is concerned, there are many different kinds to suit all ages. Small children will adore the shows put on in the Petit Théâtre de la mer, a small theatre situated in the seaside town of Palavas, just 8km from Montpellier. Adults will enjoy the performances in La Paillade's Théâtre Jean-Vilar on the outskirts of Montpellier, the season at the Théâtre Moliéres in nearby Sète, the programme in Clermont-l'Hérault's Théâtre Municipal or the Théâtre Lakanal des Beaux-arts' offerings. These theatres offer a wide range of plays performed by highly-acclaimed local, national and international theatre companies.

Bars and Clubs

There are loads of bars to choose from for a pre-theatre drink, sitting out on the terrace or ensconced in unique surroundings that give each bar its own particular charm. In Fitzpatrick's - a typically Irish pub - you can enjoy a pint of draught beer in pleasant surroundings. Fun too are the theme evenings organized in the Fil and the Inédit. If sitting out on the terrace is more your scene, head for Roule Ma Poule or the La Place bar, both of which overlook two of the city's prettiest squares. Once the evening's in full swing, a young student crowd meets up in the Macadam Pub or the Odyssée, while those of more mature years tend to favour the cosier, more intimate surroundings of the Circus or the Comptoir.

For jazz fans, the best bet is the Jam, while blues features in the Cargo. Antirouille is the place to go to for world and popular French music, and if you like your music mega-loud, you can get an earful in the Salle Victoire 2 in Saint Jean de Védas or the Rockstore in town, also run as a nightclub.

A number of nightclubs, most of them situated along the coastline near beach resorts, let clubbers in for free: there's Matchico (varied clientele and music), Pulp (great interior design), Villa Rouge (techno music, gay and hetero clientele), Souleil Galerie (the bronzed hordes' favourite!) and Cyrano too for those die-hard clubbers among you!

Walks

As well as taking in the city's cultural treasures and enjoying its lively nightlife, trips to the seashore and walking in the area will do you a world of good. Montpellier is just 8km from the sea (Palavas, La Grande Motte being just two of several nearby seaside resorts...) and 30km or so from the Cévennes, where you can try your hand at activities such as canoeing and rock climbing. Blow away those cobwebs and have a complete change of scene by taking off into the garrigue, or wild moorland to visit charming little villages like Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, caves (such as the Grotte des Demoiselles or the Grotte de Clamouse) and natural cirques such as the Cirque de Mourèze and the Cirque de Navacelles. Venture that little bit further and the Haut Languedoc national park has many more surprises in store…







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Agropolis museum


The culture of food
951, avenue Agropolis
Montpellier 34394
France
+33 467 04 7500
This all-new and beautiful museum is spread over 5000 square metres in the heart of Agropolis, the agricultural research district of Montpellier. This highly specialized and reputed center of scientific research offers a cultural history of food. An educational and enjoyable exhibition retraces the history of food production across the world, showing how cooking traditions vary among different countries. Guided tours and expositions are organized to explain ongoing research work and to help people learn more about the world that surrounds them.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Antirouille


Popular concerts
12 rue Anatole-France
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 065 168
L'Antirouille is one of the most frequented music bars in Montpellier. Doors open at 9p and there is a concert almost every night of the week. The diverse programme is arranged by the colourful patron Jacky and tends to be oriented towards world music and French singers with a little rock, reggae and electronic music. There is a general preference for new talent. The first Monday of every month offers free improvised concerts. L'Antirouille does a good job with publicity so there are plenty of posters around town telling you who is on.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Antirouille photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Clamouse Caves


An underground treasure
Rue Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Montpellier 34150
France
+33 467 57 7105
This enormous network of caves is located on the road leading to the medieval village of St. Guilhem le Désert and is one of the most popular tourist sites in the region. Guided tours last almost an hour and enable one to admire exceptional calcite and aragonite formations, the colours of which range from white to a deep rust colour. Before each visit there is a multimedia presentation which explains the formation and geology of the caves. Various souvenirs and gifts are sold, although there is little chance of forgetting such a memorable site. Admission: adults EUR6.80; children EUR3.50.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Clamouse Caves photo by Robert Gunn
Photo: Robert Gunn
 

 
Comptoir Bistrot à Vin


Pretty little wine bar
17, rue des Soeurs Noires
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 60 9455
This chic little wine bar is just round the corner from Place Saint Roch. See the large blackboard for a large choice of carefully chosen wines, mostly from the region but also including Bordeaux wines and champagnes. It is by far one of the nicest bars around and a perfect spot to relax in. Expect to pay between EUR2.29 and EUR3.81 a glass, EUR10.67 and EUR15.24 a bottle, portion of ham and dried sausage EUR4.57, portions of salmon EUR6.09.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Comptoir Bistrot à Vin photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Fabre Museum


An important collection of masterpieces
Boulevard Sarrail
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 14 8300
This museum is housed in an old high school that once was a former Jesuit college during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today the museum displays paintings of major European artists and schools of the 15th-18th centuries, including Ingres, Véronèse, Courbet and Brueghel. There is a major collection of the works of Bazille, a painter from Montpellier whose rich family lived in a large townhouse on the Rue Jean Moulin and whose fortune supported other painters including Monet (1840-1926). There are also sculptures, ceramics and contemporary works by Degas and Nicolas de Staël (1914-1955). The admission prices range from EUR3 for adults to EUR2 for students.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Fabre Museum photo by Mathias Wellner
Photo: Mathias Wellner
Fabre Museum photo by christophe durand
Photo: christophe durand
Fabre Museum photo by Théo Zakynn
Photo: Théo Zakynn
 

 
Fil


Ambiance unlimited
16, rue du Pilat St-Gély
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 66 2067
This hip club is a very happening bar and a popular meeting place for artists, students and others on limited means. The bar is well known for its exhibitions, concerts, readings and theme evenings. Many still recall the "Mafia" evening, with Al Capone look-alikes all sporting plastic tommy guns. Thursday is dance night and a decidedly merry ambiance is always guaranteed. The chef claims never to serve the same thing twice and manages to live up to his claim while still offering excellent dishes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Fil photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Fitzpatrick's Irish pub


Montpellier's most Irish pub
5, place Saint Côme
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 60 5830
Open for several years, Fitzpatrick's has swiftly become a must for fans of beer and all things Anglo-Saxon. In a friendly wooden bar, a good selection of beer and specialties attract a diverse clientele of an evening; you will hear many different languages spoken and there is always a good atmosphere. It is also open in the afternoons when the terrace is a pleasant place to have a drink. The pub is situated on a small square in the town center's pedestrian zone.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Fitzpatrick's Irish pub photo by simonstalder
Photo: simonstalder
 

 
Galerie Photo


Photographs from across the world
Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 60 4311
This photo gallery on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle presents temporary exhibitions lasting more or less 6 weeks on various themes. At Easter 2000 the gallery presented a collection of photographs of eggs and then an amusing exhibition on Mexican cities. The gallery also hosted the photographic collection of Yan Fabre with work by Helmut Newton among others. Unusual yet always fascinating exhibitions.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Grande-Motte


Throwback to the 1960's
A9
Montpellier 34280
France
+33 467 29 0337
On the sands of the Gulf of Aigues-Mortes, the architect Jean Balladur created not only an entirely new seaside resort but a very distinctive town. The buildings in this resort are characterised by multi-coloured pyramids and undulating curves. If the modernism often appears superficial and kitsch, this has not stood in the way of its success. Over thirty years later, the town welcomes around a hundred thousand holiday-makers every year despite its steep prices. To keep them amused, the town offers an enormous range of facilities, including numerous golf courses, a casino, marinas and then, in the unlikely case that one has any spare time left, there are always the beaches.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Grande-Motte photo by mario kenno
Photo: mario kenno
Grande-Motte photo by Alberto Perdomo
Photo: Alberto Perdomo
Grande-Motte photo by Mahmood S. Zargar
Photo: Mahmood S. Zargar
Grande-Motte photo by Sarah Morgan
Photo: Sarah Morgan
 

 
Jam


Jazz school and concert hall
100, Rue Ferdinand de Lesseps
Montpellier 34070
France
+33 467 58 3030
A regional jazz school and a concert venue, the Jam has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. It can only seat 300 spectators and it's often difficult to get hold of tickets for the concerts performed (once a term) by the school's students or by the greatest jazz artists. For novices, admission is free on Thursday nights. The music ranges from jazz to salsa and other world music. You are invited to discover salsa music every Saturday night.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Languedoc Museum


Regional history
7, rue Jacques Coeur
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 52 9303
The museum is housed in an architectural masterpiece, that was a former residence of Jacques C'ur, built in 1632 and renovated by the state. The Archaeological Society of Montpellier (one of the oldest scholarly societies in France) was established here in 1901 and the society's collection of pottery and sculptures comes from digs at various archaeological sites in the Languedoc. Most objects date from ancient, medieval and classical periods while certain go back to prehistoric times. Admission is EUR3; EUR2 for students.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Museum of Old Montpellier


A stroll through the past
Hôtel de Varennes
2, place Pétrarque
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 66 0294
Come to the Museum of Old Montpellier to get to know Montpellier better and discover the tumultuous and peaceful past of the city. The museum's abundant collection includes furnishings, objects and clothing from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the French Revolution. It's the opportunity to learn about the gradual transformation of the city once called Mont Pestelario in the 13th century. If the prosperous capital of the Languedoc still carefully conserves many architectural features of its past, only a visit to this museum lets one truly immerse oneself in the history of the city.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Museum of Old Montpellier photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Navacelles Amphitheatre


Extraordinary natural amphitheatre
D25 via Gorniès
(West of Ganges)
Montpellier 34520
France
+33 467 73 1375
Lying between Ganges and the Plateau du Larzac, is one of the most extraordinary natural sites of the region. A unique landscape, this natural 100 metre deep amphitheatre was carved out by a now abandoned stretch of the river Vis. In the centre of this crater-like valley rises a lonely spur of rock by the side of which nestles the tiny village of Navacelles. One can also admire a magnificent waterfall and the entrances to several caves and chasms. At 70 km from Montpellier, take the D986 to Ganges and then the D25 to St Maurice-Navacelles.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Palavas-les-Flots


Montpellier's traditional seaside resort
Venice Quatre
(D62)
Montpellier 34250
France
+33 467 07 7334
This small seaside town has a certain charm not possessed by the more modern resorts of Carnon or the Grande Motte. There is something to please all ages. In daytime, you can have games of table tennis and volleyball on the beach and there are also attractions for the children. A relaxing stroll along the canal in the centre of the town will lead you past a multitude of restaurants and ice cream parlours and there is even a mini chair-lift to the other side. Those who stay late can try their luck at the fairground or the casino.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Palavas-les-Flots photo by fakansi
Photo: fakansi
Palavas-les-Flots photo by Anh-Hoàng NGUYÊN
Photo: Anh-Hoàng NGUYÊN
Palavas-les-Flots photo by jenny sanderson
Photo: jenny sanderson
Palavas-les-Flots photo by Alain
Photo: Alain
Palavas-les-Flots photo by Manuel Atienzar
Photo: Manuel Atienzar
Palavas-les-Flots photo by Agnès Maillard
Photo: Agnès Maillard
Palavas-les-Flots photo by Belmain P.
Photo: Belmain P.
Palavas-les-Flots photo by Kromack
Photo: Kromack
 

 
Petit Théâtre de la Mer


Theatrical events for young and old
BP 95
Montpellier 34250
France
+33 607 71 1810
Drag your children away from the TV and video games and take them to see some real-life spectacles. The events organised by this theatre will appeal to the youngest and oldest members of the family. The programme includes puppet shows and circus acts as well as storytelling, song and dance. Performances take place in a comfortable air-conditioned hall of the Hôtel de Ville situated on the left bank of the canal, facing the sea. Tickets: EUR3.81.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Rockstore


City centre concerts
20, rue de Verdun
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 06 8000
The distinctive red car emerging from above the door makes it easy to find this major night-time venue in the city center. This venue hosts numerous concerts of every kind (ska, rock, pop and rap among others) as well as disco nights. Certain evenings are reserved for students. To find out what's on, check the posters found around town. Ticket prices vary, call for details.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Rockstore photo by Elsa Thievet
Photo: Elsa Thievet
Rockstore photo by verytallsam
Photo: verytallsam
Rockstore photo by Katy SIROUL
Photo: Katy SIROUL
 

 
Roule ma poule


Sunny location
20, rue Candolle
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 60 3615
Set in one of the most tranquil and sunny city centre squares, the numerous outdoor tables prove particularly popular during spring afternoons and summer evenings. Inside there is a fascinating collection of motorbike paraphernalia. One can choose from a selection of very reasonably priced salads and other dishes generally served with French fries. A friendly bar-restaurant which has a loyal clientele and is a popular lunchtime choice among students from the nearby faculties.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Roule ma poule photo by jon
Photo: jon
Roule ma poule photo by william tennant
Photo: william tennant
 

 
St. Anne Church


Art gallery in a former church
2, rue Philippy
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 60 8242
The soaring steeple of the church of Saint Anne is one of the most visible landmarks of Montpellier. Situated in a pedestrianized zone of the city centre, the church is no longer used for religious worship and today houses a city art gallery which regularly exhibits the work of artists from Montpellier and elsewhere. The artwork tends to be contemporary, including painting, photography and sculpture. Admission: Free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. Anne Church photo by magali_giaume
Photo: magali_giaume
St. Anne Church photo by clement2
Photo: clement2
St. Anne Church photo by Pierre Claveirole
Photo: Pierre Claveirole
 

 
Théâtre Lakanal


A pretty theatre
17, rue Ferdinand-Fabre
Montpellier 34000
France
+33 467 16 2882
Situated in the area of the Beaux-Arts, the Lakanal theater is back on the city's culture scene, thanks to its director Mr. Chaouat. Just in front of the Maison de l'Environnement (house of the environnement), there are author's readings and a repertoire of works that deserve to be better known by 19th century writers - Honoré de Balzac to Ruben Dariond (a Nicuraguan poet who died in 1916). The roster is always a pleasing and passionate programme of events. Ticket prices vary. Call for details. Performance times vary.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Théâtre Lakanal photo by Sophie Dubois
Photo: Sophie Dubois
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Montpellier - Art & Entertainment"
Montpellier
Montpellier - Historical Background
Montpellier - Neighborhood Guide
Montpellier - Where to Stay
Montpellier - Dining & Drinking

Other nearby cities:
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Nice (272 miles)
Turin (342 miles)
Bordeaux (382 miles)
Genoa (414 miles)
Zaragoza (447 miles)
Milan (470 miles)

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