During the 10 th Century, Montpellier is a small town owned by the Guillems.
In the 11th Century, it becomes a fortified city with a castlle and the Church Sainte-Marie where numerous pilgrims, on their way to St Jacques de Compostelle, stop. Due to demographic growth the city gets bigger.
During the XIIth Century, a Law school, a school of Medecine and a school for the Arts are founded. Montpellier therefore becomes one of the first European Centers for studies at this time.
At the beginning of the XIIIth a new surrounding wall is built.
In 1349, Montpellier is sold to the French Kingdom and therefore falls under the domination of the Kings of France.
From 1348 to 1460, Montpellier will experience different disasters like the bubonic plague and famine which kill a major part of the population.
In 1432, Jacques Cœur establishes at Montpellier and reactivates the clothing industry and trading. The economic activity flourishes and the population grows.
In 1593, the botanical garden is created.
As of 1560, the city is in the hands of Protestants. The troops of Louis the XIIIth lay a siege of the city and capture it in 1622.

Almost completely destroyed by the Religious Wars, the city is rebuilt during the XVIIth and XVIIIth Centuries. The city becomes rich enough and initiates important works : "Jardin des Plantes", "Place Royale du Peyrou", "Esplanade", "Place de la Comédie". Rich owners order the construction of mansions.
During the XIXth Century, the development of vine-growing favors the rise of the city. This allows a new boost in town-planning (Palais de Justice, Sainte-Anne and Saint Roch churches, railway station).
The diseases of vine-yards, and later, the over production in vine-growing, affect the prosperity of the city for several coming decades.
Around 1960, the activity in the services sector restarts. Today, Montpellier is a dynamic city with numerous assets in the scene of higher education, research, culture and environnement.