Stars, Montpellier

Advantages: Cosmopolitan, student-orientated, public transport
Disadvantages: parking in city centre,

...I have just returned from spending a year in Montpellier as a student and can thoroughly recommend this city for both holidays and as a base for a year abroad. I initially chose Montpellier for its location in the South of France and for the most part, the weather has not let me down this year, with temperatures still around 30 degrees in late September. In term of the city itself, I would say it is ideally suited to the weekend traveller. The airport is conveniently located about 10 minutes South-East of the city centre and there are year-round bargain flights to be purchased from Ryanair. In fact, I would recommend ariving by aeroplane and using the public transport in Montpellier as this is exceptionnal. A tramway runs through the centre and is complimented by an extensive bus network which has proved more than adequate... Read review

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Advantages: It is FREE!!!!
Disadvantages: none. But you have to like plants and trees!

...In 1593, Henri IV, very much interested in curing diseases by plants, asked Pierre Richer de Belleval, an anatomy and botanical teacher, to create a Royal Garden inspired by famous Italian "medical garden". The Botanical Garden of Montpellier later became the model for the famous Botanical Garden in Paris built later in 1635. Used only to gather all plants with a medicinal power, the Royal Botanical Garden was an incredible tools for all students in medicine, (the University of Medicine, the oldest in France, is just a stone away) but the Garden quickly became more than that and turned into a powerful tool for all botanical studies, which was unique and never done before in France. In the XVII century, the Garden became a Scientific Garden, housing plants from all over the world. You will have to understand that it was really new... Read review

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Advantages: Good weather, compact city, picturesque
Disadvantages: same as any large city, expense, parking etc...

...Montpellier is a great city - I spent a year studying there and loved it. It's a picturesque city with a pedestrianised centre. There is an average size shopping centre, a canary wharf equivalent called Antigone, loads of cinemas, and an opera house all in easy reach of the centre. Attractions include lots of side streets with little shops and outside of the town, an olympic size swimming pool. There is bowling nearby and karting near the airport. There are lots of gyms catering to aerobics, martial arts and weightlifting. There are several concert venues. Bands who have played here include the Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, Bjork and the Cranberries. Sting and The presidents of the USA played in Marseille, an hour or two away. Avoid Peyrou (the park by the arc de triomphe)and the station after dark.(unless you are after drugs... Read review

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