I had to miss my scheduled trip this June to London and Paris due to extreme fatigue from my pregnancy. I had planned the trip to be a solo one. I rescheduled for the first week of May 2016 (moved my airline ticket). My husband and I will now be going together. We are flying in and out of Paris. I will be taking an intensive one week advanced French language course and will be there for 10 days total (not including travel). I'm now considering skipping Paris (or just spending two to three days there - I've been there three times before) in favor of exploring another area of France. I've been looking at a school in Montpellier. Anyone have experience there? We like charm, al fresco dining, history, and parks. It seems like a good place to be able to tour a little of Provence by car as well. thanks!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I love Montpellier. Like other university 'towns' in Europe it has a youthful vibe and energetic buzz.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Montpellier is a great town! Very overlooked IMHO. Beautiful architecture, very walkable, and lots to do and see in the surrounding area. Don't hesitate to spend an extended amount of time there.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
Yes, Montpellier is a wonderful city. I haven't spent nearly enough time there, but have spend about 6 weeks in the surrounding area, and have flown in and out of the Montpellier airport, which is a very manageable one. You would be well positioned for Provence as well and L'Herault area of Languedoc, close to Nimes and the Pont du Gard, and the Camargue. Lots and lots of places to see and things to do in that area - you will never be bored. Go for it!
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Montpellier is also a significant rail junction with connections to the southwest or to the Mediterranean beach towns to the south.