Montpellier (Occitan Montpelhièr) is a city in the south of France. It is the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon région, as well as the préfecture (administrative capital) of the Hérault département.

William VII of Montpellier established a faculty of medicine in 1180, recognised by Pope Nicholas IV; the city's university was established in 1220 and was one of the chief centers for the teaching of medicine. This marked the high point of Montpellier's prominence.

The main focus point of the city is the Place de la Comédie. In the historic centre, a significant number of Hôtels can be found. The city has a fine botanical garden, the first in France, founded in 1593. Near the university is the 14th century cathedral of Saint-Pierre. A triumphal arch, the Porte du Peyrou, stands nearby; this was built in 1691 and designed in the Doric style with later carvings glorifying the Sun King Louis XIV of France. The Aqueduc Saint-Clément is a 17th century aqueduct covering an 800m span across the eponymous Les Arceaux ("The Arches") district of the city; it was used to bring water from the St Clément spring 14 km away. The aqueduct emptied into a water tank near the triumphal arch, from where the water would run downhill to fill fountains and public water points.

After visiting so many small cities, towns and villages, it was really nice to be able to walk around a big city again with all the modern amenities we are accustomed to - but in the french style. Montpellier has the feel of Paris in some ways as a cosmopolitan centre, though it is more know as a city of students with its old university. My favorite location was le Place de Comedie which was a great people watching place with sweeping views of the plaza in every direction. Another city I would love to visit again.