10 Iconic Buildings and Places in Montpellier

Porte du Peyrou (Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier) is an iconic landmark built near the end of the 17th century, a gigantic archway that you can go under or enter. The arch was built to celebrate the glory of the French monarchy of the 1600s, in particular the Sun King Louis XIV, but today it stands in a vast public park. Going inside, you can climb a staircase to visit a rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the entire city.

The Arc is also the entrance to the Peyrou Royal Palace, with easy access to many nearby historic structures and sites to see. It's located in the heart of the Montpellier city centre.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is a sprawling cathedral in the Gothic style commissioned in 1364 and built over 200 years that stood as the seat of Catholic archbishops in the city. The building was devastated during the 16th-century Wars of Religion between the Roman Catholics and Protestants in France. It was rebuilt in the 17th century and today stands as a national monument. It's famed for its dual pillars and arched porch, and its proximity to the adjacent Faculty of Medicine housed in the former monastery on the grounds.

As part of a guided tour, you can visit the cathedral, the Faculty of Medicine and the Musée d'Anatomie. It's all right in the heart of the Montpellier city centre.

Place de la Comédie is among the largest public squares in Europe, bordered by elegant buildings from throughout the ages including several Renaissance buildings. Known locally as 'L'oeuf', this plaza is directly at the heart of the Montpellier city centre. It was laid out in the 18th century and is entirely pedestrianised, so you'll have no worries about traffic as you explore. At its centre is the elegant and iconic Fontaine des Trois Grâces, or the Fountain of the Three Graces, built by Etienne d'Antoine.

This plaza is a destination, largely because it is lined with lots of quaint pavement cafes. It's a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat and a coffee, and meet with friends while people-watching.

Saint Clément Aqueduct (Aqueduc Saint-Clément) was built in the 17th century to supply water from a spring over 8 miles away, and today it offers stunning views of the city. It stands as a public monument to the amazing science and technology of a time we often think of as primitive compared to today, and it's an imposing marker of the Les Arceaux district of the city. Admission is free to this monument, and it's open daily.

Perhaps more astounding is that the aqueduct still functions hundreds of years later, running water from the Saint-Clément spring to fountains all over the city. It's located in the city centre.

Antigone is a district of Montpellier famed for its wealth of neoclassical and diverse architecture spread over 36 hectares of former army barracks with wide avenues and stunning sites. The district was designed by noted architect Ricardo Bofill and was established in the 1970s. Its large public squares are surrounded by classical and futuristic buildings in a stunning juxtaposition of past and present that is always a surprising sight to see.

This neighbourhood includes lots of shops, 5-star hotels, restaurants, office buildings, a regional government headquarters and even an Olympic swimming pool. It's a vibrant and gorgeous neighbourhood on the western edge of the city centre.

Montpellier Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Montpellier) is a dazzling building erected in 2011 by famed architects Jean Nouvel and François Fontès that's an open, luminous monolithic structure. It's known for its vast panels of brilliant blue glass and metal and stands as a monument to the idea of rebirth and renewal among Montpellier development projects. It's located in the Port Marianne district just minutes south of the city centre. The building is also Montpellier's city hall, where the business of local government is done.

While many people come to see classical architecture in Europe, it's also a centre of modern architecture, and this is among the finest examples. It's an expert study in shapes, materials and colour.

Montpellier Courthouse (Palais de Justice de Montpellier) is a historic courthouse and listed historical monument that houses the criminal and appeals courts of the city. It stands on the site of the former fortress of the Guilhems, Lords of Montpellier, from the Middle Ages dating to the year 985. Even in those days, justice was dispensed from this location. In 1577, the old castle was razed, and in 1629 the new rulers of the city declared that a new building would be constructed on the spot, which became an imperial, then royal, court in the 19th century.

The building is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. Tours are available, and it's in the heart of the city centre.

Carré Sainte-Anne church stands as an iconic part of the Montpellier skyline with its fairy-tale-looking tower that rises like a monolith over the city below. It casts its shadow over the narrow streets and once was a functioning church, but today it stands as a major art museum that hosts exhibitions of some of the most important, hot and vibrant up-and-coming local and international artists in just about every media. The building is a stunning neo-Gothic structure built in the 1800s during the city's economic boom.

This building is a fine example of art and architecture both outside and inside. It sits directly in the heart of the city centre.

The Pierres Vives Building is a gigantic concrete and glass structure constructed in 2012 by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid that houses 3 administrative branches. Outside, the building is marked by flowing lines that have a constant sense of motion, as if carrying you into the future. It's an iconic piece of contemporary architecture and marks the speed at which the city of Montpellier is rapidly moving into the future as one of France's fastest-growing cities. Inside, the building houses the city's public library, public archive and sports administration department.

It stands as a stark juxtaposition against the Gothic and neoclassical buildings in the city. It's about 15 minutes northwest of the city centre.

Hôtel de Région de Montpellier is an impressive administrative building showcasing a contemporary architectural style along Antigone's River Lez district, designed as a triumphant arch and nod to historic architecture. It uniquely combines the classic architectural forms of the city with a modern approach and modern materials. It was constructed in 1989 and stands as a sort of gateway between the past, present and future.

The brilliant steel and glass construction gleams in the sunlight at certain times of day when it makes for an astounding photo op. It's about 10 minutes east of the city centre.