Historic Center of Montpellier: A Journey Through Time

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skyew-zay mwa]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byan. 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 seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah po-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-duh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

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

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees er 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
  [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)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

Montpellier's history dates back to the 10th century when it was founded as a trading post between the Mediterranean and northern Europe. The city's strategic location made it an important center for commerce, fostering a diverse population that contributed to its cultural development.

In 1289, Montpellier became home to one of the oldest universities in the world, known for its faculties of medicine and law. The University of Montpellier attracted scholars from across Europe, playing a vital role in the intellectual and cultural life of the region during the Middle Ages.

The 16th century was marked by the French Wars of Religion, which deeply affected Montpellier. The city, with a significant Protestant population, became a battleground for religious conflicts. The aftermath brought about a wave of repression and a transformation in the social fabric of the neighborhood.

The 18th century witnessed a cultural and architectural flourishing in Montpellier. The construction of notable buildings such as the Place de la Comédie and the Hôtel de Ville highlighted the city's growing importance. This era established Montpellier as a cultural hub in the Languedoc region.

The 19th century brought significant urban development to the Historic Center of Montpellier. The expansion of the railway and the introduction of new industrial activities transformed the city, leading to population growth and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Following World War II, Montpellier experienced a cultural renaissance, with a renewed focus on arts and education. The establishment of various cultural institutions and festivals revitalized the Historic Center, making it a vibrant area for both residents and tourists.

In recent decades, Montpellier has focused on urban renewal in the Historic Center, enhancing public spaces and preserving historical architecture. The integration of contemporary designs alongside historical structures illustrates the city's commitment to maintaining its rich heritage while embracing modernity.

The Historic Center of Montpellier is easily accessible from other neighborhoods via the city's efficient public transport system. You can take the tram lines 1 or 3 to the 'Comédie' stop, which is just a short walk from the heart of the Historic Center. Buses also serve the area, with several lines connecting different parts of the city. If you're coming from the Montpellier-Saint-Roch train station, it's a 15-minute walk or a quick tram ride on line 1.

The Historic Center is pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for exploring on foot. For longer distances, you can use the tram system, which is reliable and affordable. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport; you can rent one from various bike-sharing services available throughout the city. Be mindful of bike lanes and pedestrian zones, especially in crowded areas.

Montpellier's Historic Center is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it's wise to remain vigilant. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places like Place de la Comédie. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep an eye on your belongings. Areas around the train station can be more prone to petty crime, so exercise caution there.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital, Hôpital Lapeyronie, provides emergency care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and staff usually speak English.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; the streets are cobblestoned. Don’t wear overly casual or beach attire when dining out. Religion: Do be respectful at religious sites; cover shoulders and knees. Don’t take photos in places where it’s prohibited. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t talk loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Bonjour' and a smile. Don’t skip pleasantries; it's considered rude. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and dishes; restaurants take pride in their cuisine. Don’t waste food; it’s seen as disrespectful.

To experience the Historic Center like a local, explore the narrow streets and discover hidden cafés and boutiques. Visit the Marché des Arceaux for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers; many are happy to share stories. In the evening, consider enjoying a glass of wine at one of the terraces on Place de la Comédie to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.