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Montpellier: Cities
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Montpellier (Occitan Montpelhièr) is a city in the south of France. It is the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon [R]égion, as well as the préfecture (administrative capital) of the Hérault département. The population of the city (commune) of Montpellier at the 1999 census was 225,300, whereas the whole metropolitan area (in French: aire urbaine) had a population of 459,916 in 1999. In February 2004, it was estimated that the population of the city of Montpellier had reached 244,700, an increase of 8.6% since 1999. In 2007, the estimated population of the metropolitan area was 531,000.
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Montpellier, the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France, is a lively University city with year-round sunshine, 300 days per year! It offers a beautiful historic center with narrow picturesque streets, elegant private mansions dating back to the 16th century and many tree-shaded cafés, and ... an interesting cultural life. Thanks to its countless historical treasures, the city is officially called a “Ville d’Art”. Many street musicians and artists as well as a variety of famous festivals contribute to its cultural life. The warm, Mediterranean atmosphere is reflected in the day to day life of the town.
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![[Flag of Montpellier]](http://retrieverimages.lycos.com/images/m/o/n/montpellier/i/008.gif)
Montpellier had two golden ages. The first one occurred before the incorporation to the Kingdom of Aragon. Montpellier was then the second largest city in France, owned trade posts in Tyr, Akkro, Tripoli and Armenia . Its universities were among the most famous in Europe. The second golden age of Montpellier occurred in the XVIIIth century when Richelieu and later Louis XIV increased the power of the intendants and made of Montpellier a regional capital city.
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The city of Montpellier has a population of approx. 250,000 but forms part of a conurbation of nearly 500,000. With Roman origins, the city became renowned from medieval times for its university, one of Europe's most important centres for medicine. This tradition continues and the local economy is very much centred around the university and scientific research.
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Following the siege of 1622, the city of Montpellier conceded to the demand of the new governor of the city to construct this vast fortress in which to accommodate his troops. Situated on a rise just outside the old walls, the citadel dominated the city and was a guarantee of royal power over Montpellier. The citadel served as a barracks and a prison, but since 1955 the site has been occupied by the Lycée Joffre. A part of the outer fortifications are still visible today. The site is accessible via the bridges from the Jardin des Champs de Mars or by the Rue d'Argencourt which turns off from Avenue Jean Mermoz. Admission: Free
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Field Trips: The writing workshops in Montpellier feature several excursions to nearby sites, including Sete, where Valery is buried. Included in the program cost is a weekend excursion to Paris for visits to the Louvre, the Sacré Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the historic Shakespeare and Company, and other Paris' sights of your choosing. Besides this major trip, one other excursion is offered each week, with individual professors offering other field trips as needed for their classes. Likely excursion destinations include the village retreat of Cezanne and many contemporary artists, Aix en Provence; the Gallo-Roman cities of Nimes and Arles; the fortified castle of Aigues-Mortes on the coast, wehre St. Louis set sail for the Holy Land, beginning the Crusades; and the medieval walled city of Carcassone, where the movie Robin Hood, with Kevin Costner, was filmed.
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