Montpelier - The capital of Languedoc Roussillon

Montpellier is the capital city of the French region of Languedoc Roussillon and the administrative capital of the department of Herault. This city has a population of about 245,000 inhabitants and shows a population growth of about 1.7% per year, and is constantly receiving visitors and students who approach for studying at its famous medicine university. Montpellier shows the peculiarity of being among a very small amount of French cities which do not have a Roman background in their past. Besides this, there also are several other interesting facts, as well as many historical events and constructions by which Montpellier is among the most visited towns of the region. The city of Montpellier is also famous by being home of one of the best medicine universities of Europe. This university was created by William VII of Montpellier around 1180, and since its construction the town started gaining popularity and becoming known throughout all France and the rest of Europe. The Saint Pierre Cathedral is another one of the main attractions of Montpellier. This cathedral was built in the XIV century, and can be visited after meeting the botanical garden due to their closeness. Also, near the botanical garden and the Saint Pierre Cathedral there is the triumphal arc called Porte du Peyrou. This triumphal arc was built around the year 1690 and is very interesting due to its shape and its art work. The botanical garden is another spot tourists should make sure of visiting while being in Montpellier. This botanical garden was constructed around 1595, and was the first of its kind to be created in France. It is very recommendable for those who enjoy meeting places full of green and natural elements. Many famous people were born in the town of Montpellier. Among these people, we can name, for example, Alexandre Cabanel, Auguste Comte, Antoine Jerome Balard, Frederic Bazille, Charles Bernard Renouvier, Emile Saisset, Leo Malet, Guillaume Mathieu, Nostradamus, and Francois Rabelais. It is also interesting to remark that many famous scientists, some of them from the mentioned list, such as for example Nostradamus and Rebelais, went to the University of Montpellier for their education.