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 Located in
the heart of the Mediterranean basin, close to both the seashore and
the mountains, Montpellier is a vibrant town with much to offer. Good
food, theatre, cinema, nightlife, history, and nature all thrive in
and around this town of 350,000 inhabitants.Though little remains today of the city’s 10th century beginnings, the Tour des Pins and the Tour de la Babotte are vestiges of the twenty-five towers that were part of the wall erected to protect the town during the High Middle Ages. Montpellier was a popular pilgrim stop during this same period and was, for a while, considered the second most important city in France. Once a Huguenot stronghold, Montpellier boasted many beautiful Protestant churches, most of which were destroyed during the Wars of Religion. It is to this period, as well as to the 17th and 18th centuries, that the modern city owes its appearance. The Place de la Comédie and the Arc de Triomphe, two popular landmarks, both date from this period.
Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon, is a wonderful place to live and study.
Montpellier: Quick Facts >> Capital of Languedoc-Roussillon >> Mid-way between Spain and Italy >> Population of 350,000 >> Approximately 60,000 students >> 800 km from Paris (3 hrs. 15 mins. by TGV) >> TaM serves the city and 15 nearby villages >> 6 km from the Mediterranean >> Near
the Odysseum sports and cinema complex |
During the early 16th century, both Rabelais and Nostradamus studied
medicine in Montpellier, a city renowned for its universities. France’s
oldest botanical garden, the Jardin des Plantes, was founded here
in 1593.
But rich history is not all that Montpellier has to offer. Ideally
situated near both the mountains and the sea, the city is almost
equidistant from
Spain and Italy. Its climate is similar to that of the Piedmont region
of North Carolina. Numerous other cities of interest, including
Aigues-Mortes,
Sète, Narbonne, Béziers, Carcassonne, and Nîmes are
just a short distance away by bus or by train. Nearby vineyards offer wine
tours
and wine-tasting for the amateur and the connoisseur.
In
addition, Montpellier offers all of the modern conveniences that
one would expect of a city its size. There are several movie theatres,
some showing films
in their original language (VO). There is a modern sports and shopping complex,
the Odysseum, located just a short ride away on the tramway. 
Support
provided in part by the President's Venture Fund. The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in its programs or activities. |