MONTPELLIER

 

 

 

 

 
     
 

Montpellier, capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, is located in the south of France, about 800 km from Paris, midway between Italy and Spain, and just 6 km from the Mediterranean Sea. Situated in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon between the Cévennes Mountains of the Pyrenees and the Rhone River, there is a wide range of excursion opportunities to experience the region's wonderful nature, and beautiful scenery within its many gorges, creeks and picturesque villages. The Canal du Midi, Camargue, Provence, the ancient Pont du Gard, and the proud citadel of the medieval city of Carcassonne are all in short distance. Plus, the sea, the étangs (lagoons) with huge colonies of wild pink flamingos, and the miles of sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches are also here to be enjoyed. 

 
     
 

Montpellier's countless historical treasures have earned it the nickname, 'Ville d'Art'. Its landscape merges all of the fascinating architectural eras of France -- with medieval structures intertwined with 18th-century buildings and balanced by the more modern neoclassical architecture designs For the more neo-classical baroque preference, the Place de la Comedie, the Polygone, the Antigone area and the Regional Council City Hall reveals the cities more modern architectural beauties. However, the city has preserved its architectural heritage, especially in the medieval center and its lanes. Its beautiful historic center features narrow picturesque streets; elegant private mansions dating back to the 16th century and many tree shaded cafés, and also an interesting cultural life. Rue des Etuves, rue Jean Moulin, rue de l'Ancien Courrier, rue de l'Aiguillerie are the most typical streets of the old city, also home to many shops, restaurants and bars. The beautiful architecture continues with the Arc of Triumph, the Place Saint-Come, or the oldest medical faculty where Rabelais and Nostradamus studied. Nearby sits the first Jardin des Plants of France, created in 1593 under Henry IV, and the classical garden of the Royal Walk of Peyrou that is the prolongation of the very nice aqueduc Les Arceaux. Montpellier has over a thousand acres of nature within its forty city parks and gardens, such as, La promenade royale du Peyrou, Le domaine Bonnier de la Mosson, Le jardin des Potiers, etc. 

The city is full of historical constructions, monuments, statues and churches. There is the Cathedral Saint-Pierre, the famous Musee Fabre, the well-known Les Trois Graces statue, and the Corum among others. Its museums have a rich diversity in the cultural, artistic, historical, religious and scientific heritage of the city and its region. The Agropolis Museum, Musée de l'histoire de Montpellier, Musée humoristique Albert Dubout (Palavas), Musée archéologique Henri Prades (Lattes), just to name a few.

 
 

Restaurants feature specialties of the variety of products found in the Languedoc, conjuring up fine French cuisine, superb wines, and delicious seafood that reflect the seasons. With Languedoc being the largest wine-growing region of the world, there are excellent wines to be discovered and tasted. These restaurants can be found in the city's historic center, outside Montpellier and along the coast. In Montpellier, you can taste local products, cheeses and wines, at the morning market of Les Arceaux under the aqueduc. 

Montpellier offers a wide range of sports and activities. Water sports and horse riding in the endless sand dunes of the Petite Camargue are more popular options, however, you can also find golf, swimming, tennis, cycling, sailing, skating, bowling, ice-skating, camping, etc. 

 
     
 

FeastMany street musicians and artists as well as a variety of famous festivals contribute to its cultural life. The warm, Mediterranean atmosphere is reflected in the day to day life of the town. The Place de la Comédie or Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, are trendy spots with a numerous cafés, bars, street performers and great shopping in the streets close by. Its infectious atmosphere extends long into the night with a string of dance shows, film festivals, music and comedy.

During spring and summertime, there are a great number of traditional, cultural and artistic events organized in Montpellier and other towns of the region. Throughout the year, there are shows, trade shows, plays, concerts and exhibitions. Summer offers the season for festivals such as, le festival de radio France in Montpellier, le festival d'Avignon, les ferias [Spanish celebrations, i.e. bullfights etc.] of Nîmes and Béziers and the open-air movie shows. Montpellier has an excellent climate with summers lasting until the end of October. While during the Christmas season most cultural events take place (e. g. traditional markets, provençal nativity plays, chorals, expositions of nativity figurines, etc.).

With 60,000 of its 350,000 habitants, students, Montpellier is France's most popular student's city. It is home to one of France's largest oldest medical school, dating back to the 13th  century, as well as, the most vibrant nightlife in the Midi. With plenty of music pubs to choose from, and over thirty discos, here one can find just the hangout to suit any musical preference. There are also numerous cinemas, theatres, two operas and four concert halls in the city to suit other entertainment interest.

 
     
   
  School Facilities  
     
 

Adenet Centre: A charming private mansion dating back to the 18th century, in one of Montpellier's most attractive pedestrian shopping streets. Just a few yards to the famous 'Place de la Comédie', where students can enjoy a coffee among its cafés and sunny terraces. 

This recently redecorated building houses airy and light air-conditioned tuition rooms ideally equipped for the interactive training method. You will find a very friendly international atmosphere. There are audio-visual facilities available, offering materials such as tapes, videos, French newspapers, magazines, books and study material.

Accent Centre: The centre is located in the heart of Montpellier’s historic city centre a 19th century building facing the famous Place de la Comédie with its sunny cafés terraces, and restaurants. It is surrounded by an array of boutiques, cinemas, monuments and places of interest and entertainment. The location benefits from excellent access to the train station, main buses and tramways.

The two-storey building is secure and easily accessible (intercom and lift) and has managed to keep its charm of Haussmann architecture style. It has 14 well illuminated and spacious classrooms with multimedia equipment (CD players, TV, Videos, DVD). Plus, there is a study room with a selection of French literature, workbooks, newspapers and magazines, along with free access to Internet.

 
     
  American College Credits - Bildungsurlaub - CSN - IALC  

 

 

 

 

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