Museums are collections of different artifacts that have been preserved and put on display to further knowledge and understanding. Montpellier boasts numerous museums that display various collections that visitors can peruse.
At the Anatomy Museum, they possess an impressive array of drug preparations that have been designated Historic Monuments.
Porte du Peyrou
Porte du Peyrou is one of Montpellier’s most striking landmarks, dedicated to Louis XIV and known by locals as “the Sun King.” Built by Francois Dorbay and inaugurated in 1691, its 15-meter Arc de Triomphe provides breathtaking views across Montpellier while featuring large bas-relief panels depicting key events during Louis’ rule such as building of Canal du Midi or revoking Edict of Nantes.
Another must-see attraction in the heart of the city is its grand cathedral, an impressive Gothic structure which was originally used as a monastery before being transformed into a church during the 17th century. Boasting three towers and beautiful stained-glass windows, its presence is truly impressive.
Montpellier’s historic center is an exquisite collection of charming cafes, bustling markets and grand buildings that will enchant you from start to finish. Take a stroll down cobblestone streets or enjoy an exquisite dinner in one of Montpellier’s many fine restaurants; either way you are sure to fall under its spell!
If you’re looking for something fun and free to do with the kids, visit Parc de Lunaret Zoo’s zoological park. With an assortment of animals from giraffes to lions as well as exotic birds and plants – including an Amazonian greenhouse! – visitors will surely have an enjoyable visit here.
Place de la Canourgue offers a more laidback experience, boasting one of the oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris with mansions dating back to the 17th century. This peaceful square provides the ideal atmosphere for people-watching as you relax.
The Montpellier Zoo is another fantastic family destination, boasting more than 1,300 animals in Parc de Lunaret and featuring different animal species such as zebras, lions and cheetahs. Additionally, entry is free all year round!
If you would like a guided tour, there are numerous companies in Montpellier offering them. By taking one, you can gain more insight into its history and culture through these tours; guides will also show off its most iconic landmarks like Cathedrale Saint-Pierre and Mikve.
Musee Fabre
The Musee Fabre is one of Montpellier and France’s top art museums, boasting collections that span Western art from 15th to 20th century. Housed in the majestic former Hotel de Massilian building, this museum was founded by local painter Francois-Xavier Fabre as a donation from him to his city in 1828; since then its collection has grown immensely with donations from artists and collectors making it one of France’s premier public collections.
At the heart of the city lies an art museum that’s an absolute must-see for art enthusiasts. Housed in an expansive modern building with glass facade, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibits as well as permanent collections dating from Renaissance art to modern and contemporary pieces – plus one dedicated to equestrian art! Home to some of France’s greatest painters!
While visiting, visitors can listen to audio commentary available in both English and French. The museum also provides a family pass that’s valid for 1 parent and up to 5 children; plus special facilities for blind visitors, deaf/dumb people and those living with vision loss.
This museum was established in the mid-19th century, and today stands as one of Europe’s premier private art galleries. A testament to the city’s long artistic tradition and an overview of European painting’s development, its collection includes numerous masterpieces from famous names like Rubens, Poussin’s dreamlike Venus and Adonis scene and works by Jacques-Louis David among many more.
Though not as famous as Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, the Museum still warrants a visit for its impressive paintings and sculptures. Even its building itself is stunning; with its glass facade creating a breathtaking effect. Additionally, its popular cafe offers delicious coffee and cakes – perfect for relaxing after touring the museum!
Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes is an enormous green oasis that welcomes visitors with a diverse array of gardens to discover and paths to wander. Additionally, this garden complex serves as home for the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle (National Museum of Natural History). Attracting both locals and tourists alike, its galleries boast impressive collections that range from giant ground sloths and woolly rhinocerose fossils to displays that depict how humans once roamed Earth – for instance Galerie de Paleontologie et de Comparative Anatomy features the remarkable fossilized remains of animals once found living among us such as giant ground sloths or woolly rhinoceroses among other extinct ones!
The Gardens were initially established by order of King Louis XIII in 1626 as the Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants. Over time it has expanded, becoming known for its wide array of medicinal plants from around the globe and eventually evolving into a large English Garden by 1860. Today’s gardens feature numerous ponds and fountains along with some of the city’s oldest trees as well as greenhouses, orangeries, and arboretums which showcase exotic plant collections from across the globe.
At this garden, visitors can easily spend an entire day. There are cafes and food stands scattered around, while the museum hosts various temporary exhibits that change frequently. Joggers and picnickers frequently visit this park; Parisians use it for jogging and picnicking as well. Families also frequent it with children running around enjoying climbing sculptures and outdoor play areas.
The Jardin des Plantes offers more than museums and gardens: in addition to being home to a small zoo and botanical gallery, it also houses an immensely popular menagerie full of animals – making this attraction especially beloved among children!
The botanical gallery at La Rochelle is one of the largest in France, boasting over 7.5 million plants from spermatophytes (those producing seeds) and cryptogams (those producing with spores), as well as succulents like the famous cacti found within glasshouse. Indeed, such is its size that this garden has now been classified as an historical monument.
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
Make time while in the historic center to visit Montpellier Cathedral – its iconic structure makes an imposing statement about Gothic architecture in this part of town.
This church began as part of Monastere-College Saint-Benoit Saint-Germain but later evolved into its current form as a cathedral in 1536. Today it stands as one of the biggest church structures in Languedoc-Rousillon region and serves as an iconic representation of Montpellier’s heritage.
At its highest point in the city lies this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The current structure dates back to 11th Century; worship services on site date back as far as 4th Century; Protestant theologian John Calvin used to preach here during mid-16th Century!
The cathedral boasts Gothic architecture with some 18th century Neoclassical features. Inside you can marvel at an incredible pipe organ dating back to 1626 that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, the cathedral houses a museum dedicated to medieval art.
One of the cathedral’s most fascinating features is its astronomical clock. Built between 1865 and 1868 by French clockmaker Auguste Verite, this incredible piece of engineering contains over 90,000 parts that truly makes for an amazing sight to behold.
Just outside the cathedral are its cloisters, containing timbered galleries that date back to the 17th Century. Additionally, during summer evenings you should not miss a free light show known as “La Cathedrale Infinie,” held two times every evening and projected onto its facade.
Climbing the 96 steps leading up to the northern tower offers visitors a fascinating look at the cathedral’s architecture and construction. From June through September, its tower hosts daily free carillon and organ concerts as well as being an excellent vantage point from which to admire city vistas – open 9am-6pm daily; last entry half an hour prior to closing time. Part of Paroisse Cathedrale Montpellier which includes several other churches within Montpellier city center.