Local Expert
Christine
I grew up on the Jersey Shore, traveled all over the U.S. as a kid, was a bagel-eating New Yorker for 14 years, and moved to Rome in 2002; since 2005 I've called Montpellier, France home. If New…
I grew up on the Jersey Shore, traveled all over the U.S. as a kid, was a bagel-eating New Yorker for 14 years, and moved to Rome in 2002; since 2005 I've called Montpellier, France home. If New York is my first great love and Rome is my one true love, Montpellier is the one I accepted a date with on a whim, and I couldn't get a taxi and showed up late, and the restaurant was closed and I went to another place and wound up getting some kind of food poisoning, and I lost my cell phone, and the kiss goodnight was clumsy, and I got its number wrong, but I woke up the next morning and realized I had kind of fallen in love.
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Review Articles
We just found out that the source of Perrier, that sparkling water in the bright green bottle, is just outside Nimes! And, it's awesome and you can totally visit it!
Of course, because this is France, there's a castle on the grounds that is drop-dead gorgeous. But there is also a museum, a large viewing gallery of the factory, a visit to the bottling line and you can even go directly to the exact spot of the source of the water used to make Perrier!
There's even a hilarious gift store packed with cool Perrier items, including the chic glasses you see at the bars and cafes everywhere.
I know it sounds so nerdy and weird, but I really think it's worth a quick trip over there, especially if you make it part of your road trip to Nimes or the Pont du Gard. Reservations are necessary, so call ahead. And have fun! We did.
Oh. My. Goodness. You have GOT to get yourself to Le Bouzou, located just outside Montpellier at Castelnau-le-Lez. I don't even know if I can explain this place, but I'll try.
When you arrive, it doesn't look like much, seeing as how it is located above a supermarket. But once you enter, you are in a whole other, exotic world where almost anything goes. I strongly urge you to go if you're in a larger group or with your family; the more he merrier at Bouzou.
Order an aperatif for the whole table, and out it comes in a large glass vase with meter-long straws for everyone to sip without crowding the table. Once you've satisfied your thirst, it's time to belly up to the buffet.
Buffets are not a big thing in France, so the French don't really know what to do here, which means you can easily muscle them out of the way to get at over the 100 first courses and 50 main courses. I'd be hard pressed to categorize the types of food there are - "exotic" is really the only description that comes to mind. My last time there, I had everything from you-peel-em shrimp to avacado mousse to curried lamb to white chocolate chicken.
Oh, and on your way back to the table, be careful not to get in the way of the Polynesian dancers putting on a show in the large main aisle.
After dinner, the owner comes around with a large wooden box, inside of which are mints, Indian digestive spices and candied fruits, which he explains in English or French as he arranges them all on a plate in front of you. Then comes the digestif cart - fruity rum-based drinks with bases ranging from papaya to cinammon, and a special concoction that must be drunk in a very specific order rom two separate glasses.
It's a full evening's experience, and completely insane. Have a great time - and then roll on home and fall into a yummy-food-induced coma.
Over 300 species of marine life are now living in almost 3 million liters of water just outside of Montpellier city centre. NO, not the Mediterranean - the Mare Nostrum aquarium opened to packed crowds and rave reviews almost a year ago, which means IKEA is no longer the only fun thing at the end of the Tram 1 line at Odysseum.
My favorite part is the simulation they do of a ship caught in a hurricane. Now, hurricanes are not fun, to be sure; but this is the closest thing to a ride I've ever seen at an aquarium. And, there is a special section on Mediterranean sea life, so the kiddies will know what lurks beneath them before hitting the beach!
Depending on the time of year you go, the Odysseum complex offers a variety of fun activities, from ice skating to a summertime amusement park. And, there is a wonderful Chinese buffet, a brewery with delcious pub food and even an American food restaurant! And, of course, a McDonald's.
Opening and closing times vary by season, so make sure to call ahead for times at 04.67.13.05.50, or chck at www.aquariummarenostrum.fr.
With well over 90 miles (150kms) of bike paths, Montpellier is a cyclist's dream. But, you don't have to worry about schlepping your bike from home - Montpellier's Vélomagg system is simply awesome - and a great "green" idea that has taken the city by storm.
There are 1,000 bikes available at 50 Vélomagg throughout the Montpellier city centre for blocks of time from four hours (1€) to an entire day (2€). Monthly and yearly cards are also available. It comes with a security chain, basket and back-wheel storage rack, and the bikes are a lightwieght aluminum made with chains so there's no catching on your pants.
Take day trips to the beaches or the mountains - or just make sure you hit all the markets during your morning errands! Either way, it's a fun, inexpensive way to see the city and the surrounding areas.
You can sign up for Vélomagg and get bike path maps at:
Office de Tourisme de Montpellier
30 allée Jean de Lattre de Tassigny
34000 Montpellier - France
Tél. 33 (0)4 67 60 60 60
Fax 33 (0)4 67 60 60 61
contact@ot-montpellier.fr
A little over an hour north of Montpellier lies every little boy's dream: Micropolis, the city of insects! It's off the A75 highway at exit 44-1, and it's totally worth a day trip. Hurry up, though, because the season closes on November 11! (Don't worry, they open up again in February.)
It features 15 exhibitions, with everything from ants to butterflies, and thre are tons of interactive elements that kids just freak out over - in a good way.
Before you leave the area and head back to Montpellier, however, stop by L'Empuse, the great restaurant at Micropolis. It's got great food for adults and kids. The drive through the Aveyron area, with its gorgeous lakes, stunning plateaux and lush greenery.
If you're sick of looking at stone churches and bleached white homes with colored shutters, you really should take the kids out to Micropolis. It's a fun day.
If you're looking to head out of Montpellier to see what else the Languedoc region has to offer, I highly recommend a fun day trip to Sete, just 20 minutes away by train.
You don't have to reserve your tickets, and any tickets bought can be used for any train to and from Sete for up to one year. Make sure you validate your tickets in yellow machines before heading to your track!
When you arrive at the train station, head straight and cross the canal bridge - and you'll soon know why Sete is called the Little Venice of Languedoc. After crossing, make a right and follow the street to the end, then make a left - the grand canal awaits you!
There are four bridges that cross this part of the canal, which leads to the Mediterranean - so wind your way down, crossing back and forth, and take in the fresh sea air, incredible boats and lively atmosphere. Along the quai, don't miss MIAM - Musée International de l’Art Modeste. It's a kooky place that is sure to make you laugh.
On the last bridge, make sure you finish on the right-hand side if you're facing the sea - because that's where all the great restaurants are, one right after another. Simply pick the one that appeals to you! I recommend Les Goelands. Their degustation des coquillages is an excellent bargain, at 17 euros for 30 pieces of seafood that were swimming about 10 meters away from your table, less than 10 hours ago.
Head further down the canal toward the beach for a stroll or some sunbathing after lunch; then, on your way back, cut over to the inner streets on wither side of the canal. You'll find great shopping and wonderful old bars and cafes that have reatined their original charm.
If you get pooped from all the walking, you can catch almost any bus you see - they all either originate or pass by the train station. Just ask the driver: "A la gare SNCF?" It costs one euro and can save your feet at the end of a long day.