Montpellier - District
of Ecusson - All the charm of the south of France...
The
Comedy
Undoubtedly the most famous place in Montpellier.
This immense place is at the heart of Montpellier
but despite apperances is not very old as it dates
from the XIXè century. It was formerly called
egg because of the red edge on the ground which
surrounds the fountain of the three Graces and which
is of oval form. Since 1985, it is entirely reserved
to pedestrians, which makes it all the more pleasant
with its market and its many cafés and restaurants.
On its edge one can admire the Opera Comedy which
gave the place its name. On the opposite side the
place leads to the Charles de Gaulle Esplanade which
offers the walkers many beautiful strolls due to
its parks and its fountains.
Place
Jean Jaurès
By going up the street 'rue de la loge' which starts
at the Place de la Comedie, you will arrive to the
well known place Jean Jaurès. it is famous
for its night life of its café terrasses which
are full of students at the weekend. It is always
very alive day time as well as at night time because
it is surrounded by commercial streets and allows
the shoppers to have a rest whilst getting ready for
some more shopping! In the the middle of it is the
statue of Jean Jaurès but also the entry to
Montpellier history museum.
Place
du marché aux fleurs (Flower market)
If you go up and along the place Jean Jaurès
and you go around the Prefecture on the right you
will arrive to this great place. It bears the name
of the old flower market which used to be there and
today transferred to the Espace Mosson. It offers
obviously many sunny or shaded terrasses according
to the hour of the day and it also has a beautiful
modern fountain in its center. It is also the only
way to reach the Prefecture.
Place
de la Canourgue
From the Prefecture you go along the street Foch towards
the Triumphal arch then you turn right before the
court and you will arrive to the Canourgue place.
It was the center of Montpellier at the XVIIè
century. This very beautiful place is surrounded by
private mansions of 17th and 18th centuries. Its center
is composed of flowers, of superb trees as well as
statues. It is above the cathedral Saint Pierre which
had to pay a high price for this unfortunate neighbourg
when, during the wars of religion, the Protestants
installed guns there to reach the cathedral…
Terraces of restaurants and cafés surrond the
place as well as many antique dealers.
Place
Sainte Anne
The small place Saint-Anne contiguous to the church
is a small paved pedestrian place in the middle of which
you can admire the church Sainte Anne which bell-tower
is visible from all the city. On its north side there
is a small square with a fountain and on the south part
you will be able to appreciate the terraces of cafes
and restaurants in the shade of the trees. It is very
enjoyable for its calm; the only noise comes from the
small fountain or the singing birds. The place is accessible
from the rue Foch on the left (vis-a-vis the Triumphal
arch) or by the street Saint Guilhem on the right.
Place
Saint Roch
This place which surrounds the majestic church of the
same name is particularly pleasant for all the family.
The place proposes beside terrasses of restaurants and
cafes a small adventure playground to amuse the small
ones while the adults benefit from the shade and the
atmosphere. It is located at the heart of Montpellier
and you discover this great place and its church which
have just been renovated at the end of a nice pedestian
streat. You can also reach it from the street Saint
Guilhem on your left while descending the street.
