Montpellier

Location:

Montpellier is the 8th largest city in France and is the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Access information (rail, train, air, sea):

• British Airways, Aer Lingus and Lufthansa fly to Montpellier via London.
• The TGV also runs down through Montpellier.
• The TAM (Transport de l'Agglomération de Montpellier) handles the tram network in Montpellier.

Size/population:

The population in 2004 reached up to 244,700 inhabitants.

Climate:

Montpellier enjoys a Mediterranean climate

Geography:

This city is situated on hill ground inland from the Mediterranean coast, on the river Lez. The name of the city, originally Monspessulanus, is said to have stood for mont pelé (the naked hill, because the vegetation was poor), or le mont de la colline (the mount of the hill). An alternative theory is that it was named for the hill of Monte Pestelario.

Economy:

Montpellier is a major industrial centre, producing textiles, metal goods, wine, printed materials and chemicals. The population grew 1.7% from 1999 to 2004.

It is a great destination for leisure for short and medium stays, thus tourism is a powerful added value for employment as well as the renowned research centres. It is a city with great vitality. With a capital growth of 19.7% from 2006 to 2007, Montpellier is a good place to invest as it is the most dynamic place in Languedoc.

Main Sights:

This city houses's first botanical garden, founded in 1593. A sight to see would be 14th century cathedral of Saint- Pierre. Montpellier also houses a triumphal arch, and the 17th century Aqueduct Saint-Clément is an 800m span across the eponymous Les Arceaux ("The Arches") district of the city. Also the city is home to the association football club Montpellier Hérault SC, currently of Ligue 2 and to the ice hockey club Montpellier Vipers, who have their home stadium at the Patinoire de l'Agglomération de Montpellier at Odysseum.

The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest in France. There are over 90,000 students in Montpellier and it is also renowned for its outstanding university system.

Industries:

Montpellier is a major industrial centre, producing textiles, metal goods, wine, printed materials and chemicals.

Transport:

A tram system is run throughout Montpellier.