Place de Comedie is one of the city’s most popular areas for meeting, dining and shopping and it is also home to a variety of interesting structures. Few visitors come to Montpellier and miss out on the chance to see this most famous of the city’s sights. The Languedoc-Rousillon region is home to a variety of fascinating old castles (chateaux) that can be reached easily from the centre of Montpellier and make for interesting sightseeing trips.

Arc de Triomphe
Located in the famous Place de la Comédie, the Arc de Triomphe is a popular Montepellier landmark that was erected in 1691 for the purpose of paying tribute to the king. The archway is decorated with carved medallions that honour the achievements of Louis XIV. Visitors are permitted access to the interior of the structure via an entry point beneath the archway. Climbing the steps inside leads you to the top of the arch from where great views over the city are available.

Château d’Assass
The work of famous French architect Jean Antoine Giral, Château d’Assass is a listed building that was constructed originally for use as a summerhouse. The structure’s most notable features include the huge oval-shaped music hall that features a small collection of musical instruments plus artworks by Jacques de Lajoue and the Regency wrought ironwork. Outside of the chateau are some attractive formal French gardens. Phone: +33 4 67 59 62 45.

Château de la Mogère
This splendid 18^th century castle can be found just outside the city and owes its creation to architect Jean Antoine Giral. Both the castle grounds and interior can be visited, the appearance of the latter having not changed since the 18^th century. Antique furniture and various artworks, such as those by Hyacinthe Rigaud and Jean Jouvenet, are among the most notable of the interior features.

Eglise Reformee de la rue Maguelone
This church occupies a site close to Montpellier’s first protestant church, which was built in the latter years of the 16^th century and the site of which is now occupied by Place Chabanneau. The Eglise Reformee de la rue Maguelone in Planchon Square features Romanesque architectural influences, while the lavish interior is more typical of later design styles.

Flaugergues Castle
This castle dates back to the 17^th century and features furniture from this period and from the following century as well as a collection of artworks by renowned French artists and picturesque formal gardens. The castle is a listed building and the estate that it sits on is in fact a part of the Côteaux de la Méjanelle vineyard. Phone: +33 4 99 52 66 37.

Place de la Comedie
Locals like to refer to this focal point of the city as l’oeuf, meaning ‘egg’, because of it oval-shaped central roundabout. Place de la Comedie is home to some of the city’s oldest and most eye-catching buildings as well as being a popular shopping, dining and rendezvous point. The elegant Fontaine des Trois-Graces occupies the middle of the area, while at one end sits the Opera Comedie theatre, the building from which the square takes its name.