Montpellier Cathedral , Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, Place de la Comédie

The Montpellier Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier) is a national monument dedicated to Saint Peter.  Originally build as the church for the monastery of Saint-Benoit (founded in 1364), the building became a cathedral fin 1536.  After extensive damage in the 16th century civil war between French Catholics and Protestants, the current cathedral was built in the 17th century.

The cathedral is located near the Jardin des Plantes and we wander over and in.

Entering the cathedral

Looking up at the organ

Wandering through the cathedral

Looking toward the alter

Great stained glass windows

Continuing to wander

Outside, the walls of the cathedral barely hint at the fabulous interior.

Cathedral entrance

From the cathedral, we stroll through the streets of old town, heading toward the city's main square, Explanade Charles-de-Gaulle and Place de la Comédie.  We pass some great street art on the walls of the old town,  wander by (and into) some fabulous small parks that just pop up every now and then and discover small squares with tempting restaurants and shops.

Art on the walls

Streets of old town

Small neighborhood parks

Small squares

Shoe collection

More art on the walls

The esplanade is full of people strolling, dining, enjoying an aperitif, playing in the playgrounds, or resting on the benches or the lawns.

Relaxing in Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle

Passing from the esplanade to Place de la Comédie, we find many more people relaxing in the afternoon sun, but are we quickly distracted by the beautiful flowers and plants in the shops at the edge of the plaza.

Place de la Comédie

Flowers for sale

We've had a great stroll around Montpellier, now it's time to relax ourselves with a small aperitif while we consider our options for dinner.