Montpellier: The Jewel of Southern France

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skyoo-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
• Go away!Va-t-en!
  [vah tahng]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dees uhr ay dem-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [katr]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Montpellier was founded in the late 10th century by the Counts of Toulouse, making it a relatively young city compared to other French cities. The strategic location between the Rhône River and the Pyrenees helped it grow quickly as a center of commerce and trade.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Montpellier flourished as a prominent trading hub, particularly known for its fairs and markets. The city became a melting pot of cultures and religions, including Christians, Jews, and Muslims, which contributed to its rich cultural tapestry.

Founded in 1220, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world. It quickly gained a reputation for excellence in medicine, law, and the arts, attracting scholars and students from across Europe.

Like many European cities, Montpellier was severely affected by the Black Death in the 14th century. The population suffered heavy losses, but the city managed to recover and continued to thrive in the following centuries.

In the 16th century, Montpellier became a stronghold for the Huguenots (French Protestants) during the French Wars of Religion. The city was a center of Protestant resistance until the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted religious tolerance.

In 1622, King Louis XIII laid siege to Montpellier during the Huguenot Rebellions. The city held out for two months before surrendering, which led to the dismantling of its fortifications and the construction of the citadel to ensure royal control.

The 18th century saw Montpellier embrace the intellectual and cultural movements of the Enlightenment. The city became a hub for scientific research and intellectual discourse, particularly in the fields of medicine and botany.

The 19th century brought significant modernization to Montpellier. The arrival of the railway in 1839 spurred economic growth, and the city expanded with new neighborhoods, public buildings, and infrastructure projects.

During World War II, Montpellier was initially part of the Vichy regime's Free Zone. However, it was occupied by German forces in 1942. The city played a role in the French Resistance, with many locals participating in clandestine activities against the occupiers.

After World War II, Montpellier experienced rapid growth and urban development. The establishment of new universities and research institutions in the 1960s and 1970s bolstered its reputation as a center of education and innovation.

In recent decades, Montpellier has undergone a cultural renaissance. The city has invested heavily in the arts, with new museums, theaters, and cultural festivals. The historic center has been revitalized, blending its rich history with modern urban living.

Montpellier is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL), which is about 7 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the city. Montpellier is also served by high-speed trains (TGV) from Paris, Lyon, and other major French cities. The main train station is Montpellier Saint-Roch, located in the city center. For those driving, Montpellier is accessible via the A9 and A75 motorways.

Montpellier has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses operated by TaM (Transports de l'Agglomération de Montpellier). The tram network consists of four lines that cover most of the city and its suburbs. Buses complement the tram lines and reach areas not served by trams. Tickets can be purchased at tram stops, online, or via mobile apps. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. For a more leisurely way to explore the city, consider renting a bike from the many bike-sharing stations.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and many banks offer currency exchange services. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular.

Montpellier is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as Place de la Comédie and train stations. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Some neighborhoods, like La Paillade, have higher crime rates and are best avoided after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the EU-wide emergency number. Montpellier has several hospitals, including Hôpital Lapeyronie and Clinique du Millénaire, which offer medical services. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-medical emergencies, the local police and fire services are reliable and responsive.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Avoid overly casual attire, especially when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Religion: Do respect local customs in religious places. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams or buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' (good day) and a handshake. It's customary to say 'Merci' (thank you) when leaving a shop or restaurant. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like oysters, Camargue beef, and various wines. Don't rush your meals; dining is a leisurely activity in France.

To experience Montpellier like a local, visit the Marché des Arceaux, a popular farmers' market held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic Écusson district, filled with narrow streets, boutiques, and cafes. Try to catch a performance or an event at the Opéra Comédie. For a unique experience, take a walk or bike ride along the banks of the Lez River. Engage with locals in French; even basic phrases are appreciated and can enhance your experience.