Discover the Timeless Charm of Ecusson, Montpellier

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/dee RYEHn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehks-kew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byahn. 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 le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-nyuh, 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-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-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 ah-shuh-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhoost]
• 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-veh voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• 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
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• 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-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor 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)]

The Ecusson neighborhood, known as the historical heart of Montpellier, dates back to the 12th century when it was established as a fortified town. The name 'Ecusson' translates to 'shield', reflecting its defensive architecture. The area was characterized by narrow, winding streets and stone buildings, which are still visible today, showcasing medieval urban planning.

In the late 12th century, Montpellier became a center for education, particularly in medicine, with the establishment of one of the world's oldest universities. This academic influence permeated the Ecusson, attracting scholars and students from across Europe. The University of Montpellier has since played a pivotal role in the region's cultural development.

The bubonic plague in the 14th century devastated Montpellier and specifically affected the population of Ecusson. The loss of life led to significant changes in the neighborhood's social and economic structure, prompting a shift in focus towards trade and commerce as the city rebuilt itself.

During the 17th century, Ecusson saw an architectural renaissance, with notable constructions such as the Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Palais des Congrès. This period marked a shift towards Baroque influences, enriching the cultural tapestry of Montpellier and solidifying Ecusson's status as a cultural hub.

The French Revolution in the late 18th century brought significant changes to Montpellier, including Ecusson. The abolition of feudal privileges and the redistribution of land altered the power dynamics within the neighborhood. The Revolution also inspired public works and civic projects that enhanced the urban landscape.

In recent decades, Ecusson has undergone revitalization efforts aimed at preserving its rich history while adapting to modern needs. The neighborhood has become a vibrant area filled with shops, cafés, and cultural venues, celebrating Montpellier's heritage while fostering a contemporary urban lifestyle.

Ecusson is located in the heart of Montpellier, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. The main train station, Gare de Montpellier Saint-Roch, is a short 15-minute walk away. Local trams (Line 1 and Line 3) connect to the station, and several bus routes also service the area. If you're coming from the airport, take the airport shuttle to the city center, followed by a tram or a short taxi ride to Ecusson.

Ecusson's narrow, winding streets are best explored on foot, as many areas are pedestrian-only. Public transport options include trams and buses, which are efficient for reaching outlying neighborhoods. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle or using a bike-sharing service, which is popular in the city. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for those who prefer not to walk.

Ecusson is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places. Areas around the central market can see higher foot traffic, so keep an eye on your belongings. It's wise to stay informed about your surroundings and stick to well-frequented areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, located a short drive from Ecusson. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many have English-speaking staff. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies and to keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but stylishly, as locals tend to be fashionable. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect religious sites, and dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on trams. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile, as politeness is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and dishes, and always ask for permission before taking photos of food. Don't leave a tip unless the service was exceptional, as service is generally included in the bill.

To experience Ecusson like a local, start your day at a nearby café, enjoying a coffee and a pastry while people-watching. Visit the local markets to sample fresh produce and artisanal goods. Take time to explore the historic architecture, including the stunning Place de la Comédie. Engage with shopkeepers and locals, as they are often eager to share their favorite spots and stories about the history of the area. Lastly, try to attend a local festival or event to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Montpellier.