MONTPELLIER, Francia 4K ✅ TOUR A PIE con HISTORIA SUBTITULADA ! ✨

MONTPELLIER, Francia 4K ✅ TOUR A PIE con HISTORIA SUBTITULADA ! ✨

👋 Hello and welcome! Today we’re going to get lost together in the streets of Montpellier, a city full of history, charm, and surprises around every corner. 🌞 Get ready to walk, because sunny squares, medieval alleys, and a lively atmosphere await us. 📍 Montpellier isn’t just a stop on the map; it’s a trip to the past with a Mediterranean flavor and a youthful touch thanks to its large student population. 📍 Montpellier is located in the south of France, in the Occitanie region, just 10 km from the Mediterranean and halfway between Spain and Italy. 🌞 With more than 300,000 inhabitants, it is the seventh most populated city in France and one of the fastest-growing in the entire country. 🕰️ Its history begins in the 10th century, when it was founded as a small medieval borough, without Roman roots like most French cities. 👩‍🎓 Today, it’s a young and dynamic city: almost a third of its population are students thanks to its historic university! 🌟 Welcome to Place de la Comédie, known as the “living room” of Montpellier, the place where everyone meets. 👑 The name comes from the former Théâtre de la Comédie, which stood here in the 18th century… although it was devoured by a fire. 🕰️ This square was laid out in the 18th century and has since been the social, cultural, and commercial heart of the city. 🏛️ In the background, we see the majestic Opéra Orchestre National building, built in the 19th century in the Italian style. 🍷 This Café Riche, open since the 19th century, was the meeting place for politicians, writers, and bohemian students. 💦 Here in the center shines the Fountain of the Three Graces, sculpted in 1790, an icon of the city and a must-see selfie spot. 👭 The Three Graces represent beauty, joy, and abundance: three words that fit Montpellier perfectly! 🎨 Today the Three Graces are having a beauty session; someone is painting them… 🚋 Look at the trams crossing the square: Montpellier has one of the most modern and colorful networks in France! 🎠 Right next door, the carousel adds a nostalgic and joyful touch, reminding us that the square is for young and old alike. 🏛️ Here we have the Opéra Comédie, inaugurated in 1888, an Italian-style theater that became the cultural jewel of Montpellier. ✨ This façade imitates the Parisian style: columns, statues, and a monumental air that imposes itself from the square. 💃 Concerts, shows, and even demonstrations are held here. ✨ If Montpellier had to present itself with a single image, it would undoubtedly be this square: vibrant, elegant, and full of life. 🚶‍♂️ We enter Rue de la Loge, Montpellier’s most important shopping street, bustling with life since the Middle Ages. 🏛️ The name comes from the old merchants’ lodge that stood here, where trade was regulated. 💰 In the Middle Ages, this was the city’s “golden mile.” Banks, jewelry stores, and powerful merchants’ houses lined this street. 🎭 Parades, processions, and even bullfights once took place here. 📍 We arrive at Place Jean Jaurès, one of the liveliest squares. Jean Jaurès, a great French politician and orator, champion of peace and social justice, is immortalized in memory of his vibrant speeches at the beginning of the 20th century. He was a brilliant journalist as well as a politician, and founder of the newspaper L’Humanité. He was assassinated in 1914, just before the First World War, for defending the pacifist cause. ✨ Between history, politics, and fun, this square perfectly encapsulates the character of Montpellier: memory and joie de vivre. 🏛️ We arrive at Les Halles Castellane, a covered market that is the heart of Montpellier’s gastronomic scene. These cheese-filled windows make you know you’re in France! Nuts. This market combines history, culture, and everyday life: a reflection of Montpellier not to be missed. 🏗️ We arrive at Place des Martyrs, currently undergoing renovations, but its history and character are still evident. 📍 The name recalls the Montpellier citizens who gave their lives for the city in various conflicts over the centuries. 🏛️ In the background, we find the Hérault Prefecture, the administrative headquarters of the entire department, an imposing building. 🏰 Montpellier was founded in the 10th century, growing around a small castle on the Montpellié hill, hence its name. 🕰️ In the Middle Ages, the city became an important trading center thanks to its nearby port and Mediterranean routes. 📚 Since then, it has become famous for its university, founded in 1220, one of the oldest in the world, especially in medicine, which we’ll see later. A statue of Fauré Carole, a local historical figure, is remembered for his contribution to the city’s art and community. 🌍 Thanks to the university, Montpellier attracted merchants, students, and doctors from all over Europe and the Mediterranean, blending cultures and knowledge. 🏛️ The city’s architecture reflects centuries of history: from medieval walls to Renaissance mansions. 🏛️ We enter Rue de l’Université, a historic street that connects several buildings of Montpellier’s oldest university. 🎓 It’s easy to imagine medieval students walking these streets with their books and robes, heading to their classrooms. 💬 Today, the street maintains a youthful atmosphere: local and exchange students fill nearby cafes and bookstores. During the 16th century, Montpellier was a flashpoint in the French Wars of Religion, conflicts pitting Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots) against each other for political and religious control of the country. ⚔️ The city, known for its strong Protestant community, was besieged on several occasions. Furthermore, the city became a cultural and academic haven: while the fighting raged, the university continued to operate and doctors continued to teach, demonstrating Montpellier’s resilience. 🏥 The Faculty of Medicine, which we will see later, is so old that some buildings still retain original classrooms and laboratories from the 13th century. We can now see the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Montpellier, imposing and steeped in history. Saint Peter’s Cathedral was originally the chapel of the Saint-Benoît Saint-Germain monastery-college, founded in 1364 by Pope Urban V. Its Gothic style is majestic, with pointed arches and towers that seem to touch the Mediterranean sky. Weddings, baptisms, and important city ceremonies were held here. 🕯️ Inside, altarpieces and paintings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries are preserved, a true artistic treasure. During the Wars of Religion, this cathedral was the target of Protestant attacks. From its creation in 1778, the organ was regularly maintained and new organ pipes were added. 🏺 The architecture combines strength and elegance, reminding us that many cathedrals served as refuge and defense. 🚶‍♀️ From St. Pierre Cathedral, we continue towards Rue de l’École de Médecine, entering the university and medical area of ​​Montpellier. The cylindrical towers also served as defensive towers in times of conflict. Four towers rise at the corners of the nave, one of which was demolished during the iconoclastic movements of 1567. The building was equipped with significant defenses, which made it a fortress. Medical education in Montpellier was born in practice, outside of any institutional framework, at the beginning of the 12th century. In 1180, the feudal lord of Montpellier, William VIII, enacted a law authorizing the teaching of medicine. 📜 This is where the Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier is located, founded in 1220, the oldest in the world still in operation! In 1220, Cardinal Conrad d’Urach, on behalf of Pope Honorius III, granted the “Universitas medicorum” its first statutes. Doctors and students have passed through these doors for over 800 years, marking the history of the city. ✨ Every perspective of the cathedral reveals a new detail! 🕯️ In the past, the study of anatomy was done by candlelight, which gave an almost mysterious air to the lessons. The School of Medicine enjoyed great prestige and the reputation of having inherited the knowledge of the Arabs and Jews, and welcomed students from all over Europe. 📚 The historic library houses priceless manuscripts, incunabula, and medical treatises. 🧪 Montpellier was a pioneer in botany applied to medicine, connecting science and nature since the Middle Ages. 🌿 It’s no coincidence that right next door is the Jardin des Plantes, the oldest botanical garden in France. 💬 Locals jokingly say that the orange trees here speak Latin, because they were trained by doctors. 🏙️ Montpellier combines Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary styles, a true architectural mosaic. ⚓ Its proximity to the Mediterranean gave it great commercial power, exporting wine, silk, and spices for centuries. 🚆 The city is very well connected: just 3 hours from Paris by high-speed train and 1 hour from Barcelona by plane. Here we arrive at the Promenade du Peyrou, a majestic viewing platform opened in the 17th century, conceived as Montpellier’s “royal terrace.” This esplanade was designed to be a space for the representation of power, almost a monumental open-air stage. This atmosphere blends historical grandeur and everyday life, something that characterizes Montpellier. Look at this charming scene: playing pétanque as if they were in the middle of an Olympic final 🏆. They take every shot so seriously that it seems they are calculating trajectories with mathematical formulas… In the center shines the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, erected in 1718, where the “Sun King” stands triumphant. The bronze reflects not only the grandeur but also the baroque style of the period, with theatrical gestures and monumental proportions. From here you can see the entire city and, on clear days, you can even see the sea and the Pyrenees on the horizon. 💧 This elegant pavilion we see in the background is known as Château d’eau, and was built in 1768 to crown the Saint-Clément aqueduct. 🏛️ Its classical style, with Corinthian columns, gives it a solemn air worthy of a Roman temple. 🌊 Water brought from 14 kilometers away to supply Montpellier flowed into the city. 🚰 For centuries, it was one of the city’s main sources of drinking water. Looking west, the Saint-Clément Aqueduct appears. 💧 It was built in the 18th century, completed in 1766, to bring water from the Saint-Clément fountain . 📐 It was designed by the engineer Henri Pitot, the same man famous for inventing the Pitot tube, which is still used in aviation to measure air speed. 🏛️ It consists of two levels of arches, directly inspired by Roman aqueducts such as the Pont du Gard. It stretches over 800 meters within the city. 😅 If the Romans had seen this “little water castle,” they would surely have approved with a smile. The aqueduct symbolizes the importance of water in urban life: without it, the Peyrou couldn’t exist as we see it. 🌅 At sunset, the sun’s reflection on the pavilion’s yellowish stone is simply magical. 👋 Hey, what do you think of Montpellier so far? Did you imagine it to be so monumental? The arches stretch to the horizon, pure perspective. 🛠️ In its day, it was a modern work, the pride of Montpellier. 💬 We’d love to read in the comments which corner of the city surprises you the most. 🏛️ Are you more into classical architecture like this aqueduct or charming medieval streets? 💡 We invite you to share this walk with your friends so they can discover Montpellier with us. 🔔 And don’t forget to ring the bell so you don’t miss any of our weekly tours. 👍 If you enjoy this tour, a “like” helps us a lot to continue creating more content. We come across the Croix du Peyrou, discreet but steeped in history. A symbol of faith that marked daily life in Montpellier for centuries. 🚪 We leave the cross behind and approach the imposing Arc de Triomphe of Montpellier, guardian of the city. 🏛️ It was built in 1691 in honor of Louis XIV, showcasing the power and majesty of the French monarchy. 📜 Its architecture is inspired by Roman arches, with reliefs narrating victories and symbols of authority. 🕰️ It served as a ceremonial gate, a meeting point, and the scene of important parades in centuries past. This building is the majestic Palace of Justice, built in the 19th century, inspired by neoclassical architecture. The arch measures a total of 15 meters high and 18 meters wide. 🚶‍♀️ We continue towards Rue Foch, once again entering the city center. 🌍 Would you like to leave a comment about which city you’d like us to visit on an upcoming tour? 😅 Confess: Have you already imagined yourself walking around here with an ice cream or a coffee in hand? 🚶 Subscribe to the channel and join us on these walks; every week we discover a new city together. Welcome to Place de la Canourgue, considered by many to be the most romantic square in Montpellier. 💕 Everything here invites you to linger: the trees, the terraces, and the peaceful atmosphere. Here we have the famous Fontaine des Licornes. How many cities have a fountain dedicated to unicorns? Built in the 18th century with mythological symbolism, the figures represent unicorns, creatures associated with purity, strength, and mystery. In the Middle Ages, the unicorn was considered almost a sacred animal, a symbol of virtue. For many, the fountain is a reminder of the connection between Montpellier and the academic and philosophical worlds. Here, fantasy blends with everyday life, creating an almost fairytale-like setting. 📖 This street is Palais des Guilhem, whose name takes us directly back to the era of the powerful lords of Montpellier. The Guilhems were the founders and lords of the city in the 10th century, and their surname is etched in local history. Walking here is like imagining knights, clergymen, and merchants crossing its centuries-old stones. ⚔️ The Guilhems protected Montpellier, promoted markets, and strengthened the city as a commercial center. Thanks to them, the town attracted students and merchants, which would later make Montpellier a university powerhouse. Although these streets are quiet today, their history resonates in every stone. In the Middle Ages, clerics and nobles associated with the Guilhem family also lived here. Here we find the Ancienne Église Sainte Anne, a building that speaks to centuries of devotion in Montpellier. The original church dates back to the 14th century, although it is now undergoing renovations. This place is quieter than other squares, ideal for feeling the slow pulse of the historic center. The name of the church recalls Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, highly venerated in the region. Its architecture is an example of Southern Gothic. From the heart of Montpellier, we want to ask you: where are you watching this walk? 🌍 As we continue walking, tell us: what city, country, or continent is with us in this video? This street was designed in the 19th century, clearly inspired by the grand Parisian boulevards created by Haussmann. The goal was clear: to give the city a modern and prestigious air, as if Montpellier wanted to put on a gala dress. 🎩 Attention! The construction work reminds us that even history needs a little DIY from time to time. 🛠️ It seems the square could use a facelift too… even the monuments need their spa time. 😅 🌟 We arrive at Place Castellane, one of the largest and liveliest squares in the Old Town. Ideal for feeling the pulse of the city. Before we continue strolling, let’s talk a little about Montpellier’s delicious gastronomy! 😋 The city is famous for its Mediterranean dishes, full of fresh fish and olive oil. We can’t forget the local cheeses, like Roquefort, which have a centuries-old tradition. 🧀 A classic is the tielle sétoise, a type of pie filled with octopus or fish, typical of the region. 🐙 Also noteworthy are the dishes with black truffles, highly prized by local chefs for their aroma and intense flavor. Olives and tapenades are omnipresent, a true nod to the Mediterranean style. If you pass by a boulangerie, don’t forget to try a pain au chocolat or a local fougasse. 🥐 Wine is another star: nearby vineyards produce whites, rosés, and reds with great personality. 🍷 💡 Fun fact: Languedoc is the largest wine-growing region in France, but for a long time its wines were inexpensive and consumed locally; today they stand out for their quality and diversity. Look at those macarons! 😍 If these were students, they’d surely get A’s in style and flavor. The chocolate one is my favorite! 🍫 They say that tasting a macaron is like receiving a sweet hug… Hotel Saint-Côme, which was the headquarters of the Montpellier Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 1920. Here is the amphitheater itself, used for anatomy demonstrations. This building housed the surgeons’ assembly hall. The building was designed by Jean-Antoine Giral and was built between 1747 and 1757. This street is named after Jean Moulin, a hero of the French Resistance during World War II. ✊ During World War II, Montpellier was occupied by German troops after the fall of southern France in 1942. The city suffered bombing and restrictions but managed to keep much of its architectural heritage intact. Despite the occupation, Montpellier played an active role in the French Resistance, with various groups fighting against the invaders. After the liberation in 1944, the city celebrated the return of democracy and paid tribute to those who fought in the resistance. As the sun caresses these streets of Montpellier, we bid farewell to this city steeped in history and charm. Every square, every fountain, and every corner has told us secrets from centuries past… and now they are part of our memory. Montpellier leaves us with the feeling of having traveled back in time, between art, culture, and everyday life. Thank you for joining us on this walk: you are as much a part of the city as these cobblestones and facades. Let us cherish the memory of its streets, its flavors, and its stories, and let us always carry this walk with us. Until the next adventure, where we will discover new corners and experience new stories together. Montpellier bids us farewell with this church, and we bid you farewell with a smile, hoping to meet again. Thank you! 🤗✨🚀👀

📜 ¡Bienvenidos a nuestro walking tour por Montpellier! 🌟
Acompáñanos en un paseo de 1 hora y 44 minutos por las calles más emblemáticas del casco antiguo, desde la famosa Place de la Comédie hasta la Rue du Faubourg de la Saunerie. Descubriremos plazas históricas, fuentes sorprendentes, monumentos emblemáticos y rincones secretos que hacen única a esta ciudad del sur de Francia. 🏛️💦
Durante el recorrido, exploraremos:
La Fontaine des Trois Grâces y la Fontaine Barnes 💧
La Catedral de San Pedro de Montpellier ⛪
La histórica Faculté de Médecine y la Orangerie du Jardin des Plantes 🎓🌿
Monumentos como la estatua equestre de Luis XIV y el Arco del Triunfo 🏰
Rutas llenas de arquitectura renacentista, murales trompe-l’oeil y gastronomía local 🍷🍬
Además, compartiremos curiosidades históricas, anécdotas divertidas, personajes famosos, la influencia de las guerras de religión y la Segunda Guerra Mundial, ¡y hasta dulces como los famosos macarons! 😄
No olvides suscribirte para acompañarnos en más walking tours por Francia y Europa, activar la campanita 🔔 y dejarnos tus comentarios sobre qué parte de Montpellier te sorprendió más.