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Montpellier,
Discovery of the city |
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LA
COMEDIE
Set up in 1755 on the previously "Place d'armes", after
the construction of the first theater (burned down twice and totally
rebuilt in 1888).
The
fountain "les Trois Grâces", of marble, was erected
in 1797 in front of the theater. Work of the sculptor Etienne d'Antoine.
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LE
PEYROU
In the middle ages, this was a reserved market area. In 1688, chosen
by the council to be a "promenade" for the city, Le Peyrou
was created by a student of Mansart. Nearly after one century, the
site, created to the glory of Louis XIV, is completed.
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LE
JARDIN DES PLANTES
Reserved for botanical studies in the XIVth century, under the control
of the Faculty of Medecine.
Founded in 1593 by Henri IV, king of France.
The oldest botanical garden in France.
It contains tropical greenhouses, an orangerie of the XIXth century,
a systematic collection of 3000 species and an English garden.
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MUSEE
FABRE
Founded in 1825. It holds paintings of the major european schools
of the XVI - XVIII centuries (French, Dutch, Italian, English, Spanish
works as well as ceramics and scuptures).
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CATHEDRALE
ST PIERRE ET PALAIS EPISCOPAL
Formerly a chapel founded by the Pope Urbain V in 1364, it becomes
a cathedral in 1536. It experiences several mishaps up to 1801 when
it takes on its definitive look in 1857.
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PRIVATE
MANSIONS
As of the XVII century, Montpellier experiences a renewed dynamism.
In two centuries, numerous mansions are constructed.
Hôtel des Trésoriers de Fance (Hôtel Jacques Cœur)
XV and XVII century.
5, rue Trésoriers-de-France
Replaces the mansion constructed in 1432 by Jacques Cœur. It
was sold in 1675 to the Trésoriers de France and then was transformed.
Today, it belongs to the Archeological Society where one can admire
magnificent collections (pre-historic, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan,
Gallo-Roman, etc..)
Hôtel de Varennes XIV and XVIII Century
2, place Pétrarque
A façade of the XVIII century. As a result of its construction
over an existing middle-age building, it contains remarkable gothic
architecture. An interior courtyard in which is found an old well.
Large rooms with intersecting arches (in particular the Salle Pétrarque).
Hotel Saint Côme
Constructed from 1752 through 1756. It served as a College of Surgery.
In 1792, the French Revolution decides to close the College. The mansion
becomes a national property and is inoccupied. The property degrades
until 1801, when the government dedicates the mansion to the Stock
Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce.
It now serves as the Chamber of Commerce.
Hôtel de Griffy XVIII Century
26, rue de l'Aiguillerie
Situated, where formerly was the first castlle of the Guillems. In
the XV century, it was the property of a family of doctors, the Griffys.
Arched porch, interior courtyard with columns, sculptures above the
doors. Magnificent stone stairs.
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ANTIGONE
Since
20 years, a new neighbourhood called 'Antigone' has been added to
downtown Montpellier. The architect Ricardo Boffil was responsible
for this project mixing clacissism of Greek inspiration and modernity
at the same time. |
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