French Courses in Montpellier
Overview
Montpellier, the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, is a beautiful and historic city located on the southern coast of France. Throughout the years, the city has been known for many different things: a trading center in the 12th century, a cultural hot spot where people of many faiths co-existed peacefully, and as an industrial center. For the past 25 years, Montpellier has been the fastest growing city in the France, and nearly one third of the population are students.
Why study French in Montpellier?
Montpellier is an exciting, international city, founded in the 10th Century, but with plenty of youthful energy. It is home to three universities, including the University of Montpellier, which with its founding in 1160 makes it one of the oldest in the world. The city offers all the benefits of student life and it is perfectly situated for outdoor life. Nearby are the mountains and the beautiful Mediterranean beaches, and inside the city, Montpellier offers hundreds of great bars and restaurants. With its hot summers lasting well into October, it is a happy place to live in what is considered of the most beautiful cities in the region. Art lovers will appreciate the Musée Fabre, featuring stunning European pieces spanning the last six centuries. The Place de la Comédie, a stunning plaza, houses the opera house and the gorgeous Three Graces statue, around which visitors can sit and relax. The center of Montpellier is full of narrow alleys with quaint shops, cafés, and bakeries. There are also local markets throughout every district with different wares every day of the week.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
In Montpellier, Marshall Language Services also works with the following French language schools:
- Accent Français
Images of Montpellier, France
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
The Place de la Comédie
This plaza is the center of Montpellier and the perfect location from which to explore everything the city has to offer. It includes lovely French cafés, a shopping mall, a beautiful green space with a pond known as the Esplanade, and the city’s main art museum.
Cathedrale St. Pierre
The Cathédrale St Pierre is Montpellier’s most important Gothic building, situated in the middle of the old town. This Roman Catholic church has beautiful glass windows lining the cross, a stunning organ and a spectacular altar.
Promenade du Peyrou (the Royal Square of Peyrou)
This part of the city leads from the elegant Arc de Triomphe to the magnificent Château d’eau. Behind it, visitors will be able to observe one of Montpellier’s Roman aqueducts, preserved to this day.
French cuisine
French cuisine is renowned around the world for its elegance and sophistication, and Montpellier has much to offer in that regard. Visitors will be able to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, explore typical neighborhood locales and delight in the careful presentation at fine-dining restaurants.
Musée Fabre
The Musée Fabre is located on the Esplanade and is the city’s most important museum. It features some excellent works of art, including paintings and stunning architecture, and several exhibitions on different floors.
Montpellier Zoo
In Montpellier’s Zoo, the animals are divided by continents and areas. The only part requiring payment for entrance is the Amazonian Jungle.
Le Château de Flaugergues
The Château de Flaugergues is Montpellier’s most original folie (a house used as a secondary home by the aristocracy of the city) and features particularly beautiful gardens.
Walk around the old town
In Montpellier visitors will soon become enthralled by the picturesque cobbled streets that wind around the city center, lined by quirky French cafes and little stores. Shopping for souvenirs, eating macaroons, tasting some crêpes or even just practicing French in these tiny streets is a must.
Jardin des Plantes
Originally a medicinal garden, the Jardin des Plantes is no longer used for this purpose, but it still houses a fascinating, vast array of plants.
How to Arrive at your Language Course
By Air
Montpellier Méditerranée International Airport is located 8 km from the city center, and operates flights to and from several European cities or via Paris and Lyon. Visitors can find information about transfers between the airport and the city center on this page.
By Train
Montpellier is serviced by the high-speed train TGV on the line Paris – Lyon – Perpignan – Barcelona, and is connected with many major cities in France and Europe.
By Coach
Montpellier is well connected to the rest of Europe by bus, and has convenient access to many major European cities in Germany, Italy and others further afield. More information is available here.