Montpellier

Montpellier was a complete surprise. Given it is a city normally overrun with students we expected something a little tatty and rough around the edges.  It was the complete opposite. Even the outskirts were pristine!  Despite the classic architecture of the old quarter buildings. Montpellier feels modern and stylish.  Its brand new high speed tram skirts silently past the neoclassical Opera on place de la comedie and both work fabulously together.  

The entire old quarter (a pretty sizable area) is entirely pedestrianised (although this doesn’t seem to include mopeds!) which makes ambling the cafe lined pavements a true delight.  

Almost every other building is a cafe or restaurant which makes choosing where to go an evening long task.  After carefully considering a number - we ended up with tapas - typical!!  Having said that the food was fabulous and the music has got us in the mood for our upcoming visit to Spain. 

On our second day we felt like a rest so it was handy that a 15 minute drive took us to some pure white sandy beaches where we whiled away the hours playing bat an ball - I have given up with boules - I can’t cope with Mike’s gloating!!!!! We had a little explore around the town of Palavas and I even managed to drag mike in a cable car (well more of a metal bucket really) to take us over the river! 

Crepes for dinner provided a perfect and to  a really enjoyable two days.