DESTINATION MONTPELLIER PRESS KIT 2016 Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole Tourist Office & Convention Bureau Press contact : Aline COUQUET • +33 (0)4 67 60 19 34 • +33 (0)6 89 95 59 58 • [email protected] www.montpellier-france.com A WORD FROM PHILIPPE SAUREL « Montpellier is an international metropolis and a popular tourist destination. We are lucky enough to have a multitude of features that make us a global destination and the unofficial capital of the Mediterranean. In fact, I would like to hold a sort of G7 meeting, an informal gathering of all of the heads of the municipal districts bordering the Mediterranean, to discuss potential cooperation between us, particularly in respect of tourism. Montpellier is a destination that combines sea, sun, culture, history, wine, youth, traditions, back country and major tourist attractions. For all these reasons, we owe it to our visitors to offer them a unique, high quality experience. » Philippe SAUREL Mayor of Montpellier, President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole Montpellier, 11 km from the Mediterranean, is an ideal spot if you want discover a historical yet young city, rich in so many different resources and hidden treasures. A multifa- ceted land of the South, a city that embodies a mosaic of culture, wellness, and trade surrounded by some of the very finest natural World Heritage sites. Montpellier is the eighth largest city in France – an excep- tional destination brimming with character. Its stones tell MONTPELLIER its story – the story of a destiny that it has carved out for itself over the centuries and of the men and women wit- hout whom it would not have been possible. Montpellier is the sum of these parts. A land of encounters. Of passions. Of shared experiences. A perpetual melting-pot in which new ideas and human endeavour are harnessed to a bold Montpellier spirit. However this ambitious city also has a tender heart. Montpellier basks in the sun, between sea and vineyards, Languedoc Roussillon, and each of the city’s 31 communes has something to offer, Sud de France whether visitors are seeking to discover the history of the Halfway between Spain and Italy area, enjoy its leisure activities, savour its flavours or simply 3 ¼ hours from Paris by TGV enjoy themselves in the company of others. Less than 2 hours from Marseille A fashionable destination. An intense experience. To be In the heart of a region with 7 wonders listed as UNESCO discovered without further ado. World Heritage sites MONTPELLIER, IS…. • A town with its own particular ambiance and character, a historic heritage and a particularly privileged geographical location; • A town with special traditions to which no other town in France can lay claim: the crafting of string instruments, medicine stretching back to the Middle Ages; • Trendy, young and at the cutting edge. … ALL THESE STRENGTHS COMBINE TO MAKE MONTPELLIER: • a must-visit City Break destination in Europe; • a top destination for international business tourism; • the top destination for language holidays after Paris; • a destination of choice for architecture and town planning study tours; • a culturally vibrant city. MONTPELLIER, MEDITERRANEAN METROPOLIS The Mediterranean is at the centre of Montpellier’s identity. First, thanks to its geographic location, but also through the economic partnerships that the city has established, as well as everything it has to offer in terms of tourism and culture. The Mediterranean is fully present in the city’s cultural programme, in which it plays an important role. Some examples include CineMed film festival (for which the Mediterranean is the very essence), the Comédie du Livre book fair (showca- sing Italy this year), and Montpellier Danse (which promotes Mediterranean dancers). For Montpellier, acting as the capital of the Mediterranean comes naturally, as can readily be seen in its cultural calendar. And around this unique identity – part culture, part Mediterranean – high quality, well organized tourism is being built up to offer our guests the best possible experience. To identify at the firts look, sites and dicovery tips in Montpellier’s surrounding are mentionned in this press kit with Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole . Montpellier 2016 • Press contact • +33 (0)4 67 60 19 34 • +33 (0)6 89 95 59 58 • [email protected] 3 CONTENTS 10 good reasons to come to Montpellier in 2016 5 Montpellier, one of the top 10 for successful holidays 7 Montpellier, where heatlh reigns supreme! 9 Montpellier, 1 000 years of history 12 Montpellier, immersion by design 15 Montpellier, the family destination of choice! 18 IMontpellier, for lovers of fine foods and wines 21 Montpellier, a land of tradition and creation 24 Montpellier, thinks green 26 Montpellier, 2nd top destination for French as a foreign language after Paris 29 Montpellier, 6th largest conference destination in France 31 Agenda 33 Practical Montpellier 40 Key figures 41 Access 42 Where to find us 43 Montpellier 2016 • Press contact • +33 (0)4 67 60 19 34 • +33 (0)6 89 95 59 58 • [email protected] 4 10 GOOD REASONS TO COME TO MONTPELLIER IN 2016 Montpellier 2016 • Press contact • +33 (0)4 67 60 19 34 • +33 (0)6 89 95 59 58 • [email protected] 5 10 GOOD REASONS TO COME TO MONTPELLIER IN 2016 Montpellier street art Festival Montpellier Danse www.montpellier-france.com 23 june - 9 july www.montpellierdanse.com With its all-new guided street art tours, Montpellier More than 200 performances 90 % of which are free Tourist Office offers two unusual trips through the of charge. Not be missed, a musical tour through the town centre. Mist, Space Invaders, BMX, SMOLE, AL, heart of the city on 13 July, with micro concerts in ZEST... Montpellier will surprise you! some of Montpellier’s most delightful historic spots. Visit free of charge if you are under 18 Frédéric Bazille www.montpellier-france.com 25 june - 16 october 2016 Since january 2015, all guided tours organised by the http://festivalfanfares.free.fr Montpellier Tourist Office will be free of charge if you The summer event exhibition at the Musée Fabre of are under 18! Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole! FISE, International Extrem Sports Festival Radio France Montpellier et Festival - 20th edition Languedoc Roussillon 4 - 8 may 2016 11 - 26 july 2016 www.festivalradiofrancemontpellier.com 5 days of competition between the world’s greatest riders: inline skating, BMXing, wakeboarding, moun- More than 200 performances 90 % of which are free tain biking, skateboarding, slopestyling and more in a of charge. Not be missed, a musical tour through supercharged atmosphere! the heart of the city on 13 July, with micro concerts in some of Montpellier’s most delightful historic Battle of the Year France spots. 17 - 22 may 2016 InterPride & EPOA 2016 www.attitudeasso.com 10 - 16 october - Montpellier, Corum The hip-hop event that all its fans are waiting for! The www.montpelliergay.com best breakdance crews in France will do battle to earn InterPride and EPOA are two non-profit organiza- their place at the international finals. tions that gather together the Gay Prides organi- zers from around the world. For once, InterPride Festival des Architectures Vives and EPOA decided to have their meetings during 15 - 19 june 2016 the same week, in the same place: Montpellier. http://festivaldesarchitecturesvives.com When fleeting daring comes to jostle history…A memorable architectural tour weaving its way New direct flight: Dublin/Montpellier through private courtyards. These historic gems in 2h30 have been opened specially for this event and had Starting from 20 May 2016, Aer Lingus will provide new life breathed into them by established and up- direct flights from Montpellier to Dublin 2 times a and-coming architects and artists. week. More direct flights page 42 Montpellier 2016 • Press contact • +33 (0)4 67 60 19 34 • +33 (0)6 89 95 59 58 • [email protected] 6 MONTPELLIER, ONE OF THE TOP 10 FOR SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAYS What makes Montpellier so special? If you are here for a day trip or a two-day visit, how can you be sure not to miss out on Montpellier’s top attractions? 10 tips to help you get the very best out of the Montpellier area. Montpellier 2016 • Press contact • +33 (0)4 67 60 19 34 • +33 (0)6 89 95 59 58 • [email protected] 7 MONTPELLIER, ONE OF THE TOP 10 FOR SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAYS The place de la Comédie Push open the doors to private courtyards The place de la Comédie, Montpelier’s iconic heart, Massive gates, huge, luminous courtyards, stairs is the top place to visit. Once known as the Place with wrought-iron balustrades – Montpellier and its de l’Oeuf (Egg Square) because of its oval shape, it surrounding area together boast almost 80 private is one of the largest pedestrian precincts in Europe mansions of the classical period. Nowadays these and is dominated by the imposing Opéra Comédie. private courtyards, veritable hidden gems, can only In the centre, the ‘Three Graces’ stand proudly, a be visited on guided tours organised by the Tourist fountain and statue built in 1773. Office… However, keep your eyes peeled! When you turn a corner in the street, you might just happen The Fabre museum de Montpellier on an open door and be able to take a rare glimpse Méditerranée Métropole inside. This adds a whole new dimension to strolling through the city… This museum is considered to be one of the finest Fine Arts Museums in Europe – its ancient and Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole modern architecture makes it quite exceptional. It houses European works from the Renaissance to the Explore the terroir through your taste buds present day and has a wing devoted exclusively to You cannot really know the real Montpellier without contemporary artist, Pierre Soulages.