Palavas-les-Flots The closest beach to Montpellier is in the seaside resort of Palavas-les-Flots. It was originally a fishing village and from the late 19th century until 1968 a train took Montpellierians all the way there. The heart of the … Continue reading
Visiting Montpellier’s zoo is like going for a nice walk and seeing some animals on the way. It’s set in an 80-hectare park, full of pine trees and walkways where visitors can stroll around and find more than 100 … Continue reading
How do you get young people interested in the arts? Grab their attention early. Make it easy and interesting for them to visit galleries, theatres and even opera houses from a young age, and the world of art and culture … Continue reading
Drive north out of Montpellier and the jagged summit of Pic Saint Loup soon emerges in the distance ahead of you. You can almost follow your nose toward the peak to arrive at the village of Prades le Lez. … Continue reading
It’s not like I’ve been to loads of them, but as aquariums go, I’m pretty sure Montpellier’s is good; above average even. I love visiting it and my kids beg me on a regular basis to go, so I’d … Continue reading
A pleasant way to get to the beach from Montpellier is to cycle. It takes about an hour, but the cycle path leads you on an easy, scenic route along the river. You won’t be puffed out by the time … Continue reading
Just 10 minutes out of town, there’s a beautiful stretch of river. It starts at the foot of the Domaine de Méric, near tram stop Saint Lazare. Follow the sign to ‘Rives du Lez’ and you’ll find yourself at the … Continue reading
On your travels round the centre of Montpellier, you might spot a little train winding its way along the impossibly narrow streets. Well, if you’re keen you can hop on too. It’s called the Petit Train and you can catch … Continue reading
There’s something magical about the light in the south of France. When the sun’s out and making everything shimmer you can see why artists have always flocked here. If you’re feeling inspired and want to enjoy some art in the … Continue reading
Kids are welcome in cafés and restaurants in France any time of the day, even late in the evening. But if they want to hang out with the grown-ups they’re expected to fit in, which means no highchairs, plastic cups or changing tables. I love the whole mucking in with the family spirit of this, but it can leave me looking like a startled rabbit. Watching a toddler balance a wine glass of juice between tiny fingers is like waiting for a plate spinner to drop one of their plates. The upside is that I’ve become adept at changing nappies on the floor of ‘cosy’ loos, but I’m not sure this is a skill I can put on my cv.
Luckily there’s a few cafés around town that cater for little ones who’d like to play and parents who’d love a stress-free coffee.
They describe themselves as ‘Every parent’s dream’ and with comfortable seating, delicious and healthy food and a play area for kids they’re not far wrong. This café in Montpellier’s Saint Roch area is designed for children aged up to 3 years old and is a place where they can play and make noise in a safe environment while parents relax. The café also offers workshops, storytelling and singing. There’s even some activities for the grown ups, including a dating evening for single parents.
http://www.lecafedesbebes.fr; Rue des Souers Noires
This café familial at the edge of the Saint Anne district is situated on the ground floor of a lovely old apartment building. Ring the bell and you’ll be welcomed in to a large area full of toys, books, mats, music and slides. It used to be a private creche, so there’s everything here for kids. Tables are dotted around the space for parents and kids to enjoy a drink, snack or meal. The first hour is free for you to order some food or drinks, and after that you can stay for €2 per hour.
There’s also a shop here selling second-hand clothes, toys and equipment, as well as an area for art workshops.
http://www.beubeul-lounge.com; 6 rue Eugène Lisbonne
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