We start our day with a trip to the indoor market in Montpellier, Halles Castellane, where small stands specialize in vegetables, meats, bread, cheeses, fish, and many other delights.
Halles Castellane
Although we enjoy walking through the Halles Castellane, we do end up purchasing most of our groceries and wine at Monoprix and sometimes Carrefour. However, there is one shop that we go to every day: the morning walk to the neighborhood boulangerie for a fresh baguette and a chocolate croissant (une baguette and un pain au chocolat). What a great way to start the day, with fresh bread, chocolate croissant, butter, jam, charcuterie, and cheese.
First stop of the day
We next head on over to Esplanade Charles de Gaulle for a morning walk through the gardens.
Esplanade Charles de Gaulle
A short walk from the esplanade through the old town into modern Montpellier brings us to the highest point in Montpellier, Promenade du Peyrou, with it's own triumphal arch at the entrance, Porte du Peyrou, and a statue of Louis XIV in the center.
Modern Montpellier
Arc de Triumph, Louis XIV
The promenade and its gardens overlook much of the city and the surrounding countryside and are filled with people sitting, eating, talking, napping, and just enjoying the day. The remains of an 18th century aqueduct stretches out from the promenade, bringing water to the water tower in Peyrou from the Saint-Clément spring, 14 km (8.7 miles) away.
Promenade du Peyrou
Crossing back into the old town, we pass behind the city hall and find more great neighborhoods, squares, and restaurants.
Behind city hall
Facing city hall
Back at Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, we find that a book fair has set up in the center, with vendors selling books and authors ready to discuss their works and sign their books.
Book fair
Back at our apartment, the toy store across the street is open and has decorated our street to invite people into the shop.
Toy store is open
We've had a great wander and are continuously reminded about why we like this city.
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