One of the wonderful things about our current housesit is its location. It's on the outskirts of Montpellier and the city centre is just a 30-minute tram ride away. As a result we've ventured there on numerous occasions to explore both the new and modern metropolis and its historic downtown section.
Buildings have been built wherever and however they could squeeze into the landscape.
On street level sidewalk cafes are everywhere, making the decision on which to choose a real dilemma! They all look so inviting.
The city is also home to the impressive Saint-Pierre Cathedral. It's so large it dwarfs surrounding buildings, pedestrians and the transport truck parked in front.
To the left of the cathedral is Europe's oldest medical college that opened its doors to students in 1220.
Streets are narrow and zigzag in all directions. This view faces away from the cathedral.
Spinning around in a half circle I took this photo looking towards the cathedral. See that barred window to John's right?
He missed the cat huddled behind the potted plants.
When I snapped a photo of this cafe and red door I had the strangest feeling I was being watched. ;-)
The patron saint of Montpellier, Saint Roch, is buried in this church (aptly named Saint-Roch in his honour).
Remnants of the old wall, including this archway allows pedestrians into the historic centre.
To the right of the cafe above is the Montpellier National Choreographic Centre and Agora, the international Dance Centre. The original building was an Ursuline convent built in 1641 and during the French Revolution was used as a women's prison.
We spent another afternoon at the Fabre Museum that houses over 800 paintings many of which were collected by the Montpellier artist Francois Xavier Fabre.
The building was recently renovated and the interior is a work of art itself. This is the staircase from one floor to another.
Passageway with sculptures.
Gallery...
There is so much to see and do in Montpellier and all of the above is within easy walking distance of each other. Thanks to Jake and Petra we were able to take advantage of all Montpellier has to offer.
Remnants of the old wall, including this archway allows pedestrians into the historic centre.
To the right of the cafe above is the Montpellier National Choreographic Centre and Agora, the international Dance Centre. The original building was an Ursuline convent built in 1641 and during the French Revolution was used as a women's prison.
We spent another afternoon at the Fabre Museum that houses over 800 paintings many of which were collected by the Montpellier artist Francois Xavier Fabre.
The building was recently renovated and the interior is a work of art itself. This is the staircase from one floor to another.
Passageway with sculptures.
Gallery...
There is so much to see and do in Montpellier and all of the above is within easy walking distance of each other. Thanks to Jake and Petra we were able to take advantage of all Montpellier has to offer.
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