The Heartbeat of Montpellier: Comédie

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-kew-zay mwa / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-moh sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn. 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 vyand]
• 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!Au secours!
  [oh suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• 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-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd juhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byehn sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

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

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

Place de la Comédie, the vibrant heart of Montpellier, was established in the early 18th century. Originally known as Place des Arceaux, it was redesigned by architect Jacques Coeur. The square's transformation reflects the city’s ambition to become a cultural and commercial hub following the establishment of the University of Montpellier in 1289, which attracted scholars and dignitaries.

In the 19th century, Place de la Comédie became a focal point for cultural life in Montpellier. The Opéra Comédie, inaugurated in 1888, enhanced the square's status as a center for the performing arts. The architecture of the opera house, with its Neoclassical style, exemplifies the artistic aspirations of the time, drawing influences from Parisian designs and reflecting the city's growing cultural confidence.

During the French Revolution, Place de la Comédie served as a gathering space for revolutionary activities. The square witnessed public speeches and celebrations, symbolizing the people's desire for change. The nearby cafés became venues for political discussions, showcasing the neighborhood’s role as a crucible of revolutionary thought and action in the late 18th century.

In the late 20th century, Place de la Comédie underwent significant urban renewal efforts aimed at enhancing its appeal as a pedestrian-friendly area. The introduction of tram lines in the early 2000s improved connectivity, making the square more accessible to residents and tourists alike. This revitalization has contributed to its status as a bustling commercial and social center, while preserving its historical charm.

Today, Place de la Comédie hosts numerous cultural events and festivals, reinforcing its role as Montpellier's cultural epicenter. Events such as the Montpellier Danse festival and various art exhibitions celebrate the city’s artistic heritage and foster community engagement. The square remains a gathering place for both locals and visitors, embodying the lively spirit of Montpellier.

Comédie is centrally located in Montpellier and is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods. The Montpellier-Saint-Roch train station is just a short walk away, offering connections to regional and national trains. You can also take trams Line 1 or Line 3 to the Comédie stop, which is right in the heart of the neighbourhood. For those coming from the airport, the Montpellier Méditerranée Airport is about 10 km away, with shuttle buses and taxis available to take you directly to Comédie.

Comédie is pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions can be explored on foot. The tram system in Montpellier is efficient, with Line 1 and Line 3 serving the area. Bicycles can be rented through the local bike-sharing system, Vélomagg', which has stations throughout the city, including Comédie. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for longer distances or late-night travel.

Comédie is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded parts of the neighbourhood. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas like Place de la Comédie, so keep your belongings secure. Areas adjacent to Comédie may have higher incidences of petty crime, so remain vigilant, especially in bustling markets or public transport.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for assistance. There are local police stations and medical facilities nearby, including hospitals in the city center. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available in Comédie for minor health issues, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for walking, but be aware of local styles—avoid overly casual attire when dining out. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches; modest dress is appreciated. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly or pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on trams or buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile; a polite handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like tapas and wine. Don't consume food in public places where it’s not customary.

To experience Comédie like a local, take time to enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés lining Place de la Comédie. Visit the local markets for fresh produce and artisan goods. Attend local events or festivals, which are often hosted in the square. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their city. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby historic streets and hidden squares for a true sense of Montpellier's charm.