Montpellier — Travelrags

Architourism in France: the retro futurist seaside town near Montpellier that’s out of this world

Built in the 60s and 70s to curb a holiday exodus to Spain, with apartments inspired by Mayan pyramids and featuring ‘intergalactic curves’, La Grande-Motte is having another moment in the sun with fans of modern architecture My dream holiday is a trip back in time. Not to see the results of seismic Pompeii or 15th-century Machu Picchu – although I love both – but somewhere created specifically…

Lonely PlanetJul 11

A guide to Montpellier, France

When to go, what to do, how to get around and more.

23 things in this story

Université de MontpellierPlaceestablished in 1289, Europe's oldest medical school
Saint-RochNeighborhoodstation connecting to cities throughout France
Musée FabreGallerycollection covers art from 16th century to present
MO.CO.Galleryart institution with public galleries
MO.CO. PanacéeArts centreshowcases work of local artists
Musée d’Art BrutMuseumdisplays outsider art in former artist's home
place de la ComédieSightmain square, known as 'l’Oeuf' (the egg)
place Royale du PeyrouSightsquare facing Montpellier's Arc de Triomphe
Arc de TriompheSight52m-high arch
Château d’EauSightwater tower connected to 18th-century aqueduct
St-Clémont AqueductSight18th-century aqueduct
Jardin des PlantesParkFrance’s oldest botanical garden
Halles CastellaneMarketcentral food market with local produce
Marché du LezMarkettransformed agricultural buildings with food trucks and restaurants
Hôtel de VarennesSightornate townhouse with ribbed vaulted ceilings
La Tour de la BaboteSightvestige of the city’s original 12th-century fortifications
L’arbre BlancSightmodern pineapple-shaped building by Sou Fujimoto
Palavas-les-FlotsNeighborhoodseaside town with water-sports companies
Samy Jet SkisPlaceoffers water-sports equipment rentals
Maison de la NatureSightboardwalks for viewing flamingoes and storks
Le RebuffyPubstudent-friendly bar for apéro
JOST HotelHostelhotel near Montpellier Saint-Roch station
Place de l’EuropeSight

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