A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS IN MONTPELLIER
Once in every Christmas, in the middle of a very ordinary life; we stumble upon magical epiphanies and fairytales that overflow with glamorous castles and symphonies of charm; beautiful views, adequate styles, and visions of hidden treasures that feel fictionally unreal. Most of the time we wake up, and it´s a dream full of shimmering lights of glittery reds and blues that twist together. Yet once in every while we discover extraordinary places with magical sights, cultured towns, spectacular views, and an endless architectural elegance. Let winter worries be swept away and plan a trip to Montpellier, where cheer is real and you can finally hear all the winter cold symphonies. Take a train there with Renfe-SNCF en Coopération and read on to see where the magic happens.
Place de la Comedie
Apollo’s favorites stand solid and still in the Place de la Comedie, the place to be in Montpellier, a famous square where fountains, stores, and tents full of clothes line left and right of the Esplanade. Fresh flowers, honey jams and beautiful melodies fill the air with true local artistry. Its definitely a sight to see. A beautiful park, an amazing shopping experience, where delicious traditional cuisine fills the area with flavored scents and lots of history. During Christmas the Place is refined, decorations are made with delicacy, the Christmas tree lights graceful stance and everything is organized in symmetry.
But magic really is performed at the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle at the Place Laissac from the 1st of December to the 28th, where artists and designers await guests with plenty of gifts and splendid surprises. It’s a festival that is known to be made every year called the ¨Marche de Noel¨, where a large heated tent is set up, and there are all kinds of activities from chocolate, wine and pastry tastings to concerts, parties and parades. There’s also an ice rink, carousels, Christmas lights and Santa Claus clones.
If you find yourself cold, after a long stroll down the promenade, then steer towards this list of delightful French cafes, where hot chocolates and pastries are known to be divine and give a gratifying reward.
L’authentique
7, Faubourg Saunerie, 34000, Montpellier
T: +33 (0)4 67 92 68 69
Open 7:00-19:00 (Mon-Sat)
Pistache et Chocolat
9 Rue Proudhon, 34000, Montpellier
T: +33 (0)9 51 25 27 76
Open 8:00-19:00 (Mon-Fri), 8:00-18:00 (Sat), closed Sun
L’épi Gaulois
470 Rue Paul Rimbaud, 34000, Montpellier
Open daily
What´s more would be a scroll down catholic history where beauty and religion collide in artistry at The cathedral of St. Peter. This massive façade is now a part of their faculty of medicine, but the church is still spared, and its beauty is a contrast of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
While you’re there make sure not to spare an interesting ride in the infamous tram that Montpellier is known to be famous for. Get off in Odysseum, a very modern and very flashy development that stands as a shopping mall. It´s sharpness is definitely a beauty and there are all kinds of activities, from Karting to climbing, bowling, shopping and even an ice rink.
Lastly, take a stride down the roads of the beautiful city of Montpellier, where 106 buildings are classified historical and arts, religion, nature collide and intertwine.
Article issu du site Renfe-Sncf
https://www.renfe-sncf.com/rw-en/blog/destinations/montpellier/christmas
