Montpellier: Place de la Comédie
The Egg & other highlights!
This impressive square in the centre of Montpellier links the old town and the new.
Not long ago the Place was literally egg-shaped or oval hence its name but nowadays vehicular traffic has been excluded and it has been enlarged. The 'egg' is still here but you have to look for it in the middle! Now a huge modern square flanked with neo-classical architecture, in particular the Opera House, while at the other end the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle leads to the Corum, a modern performance centre and conference facility designed by Claude Vasconi .
The crowning glory of the Place however, is the Fountain of the Three Graces sculpted by Étienne d'Antoine. Located just in front the Opera it forms a focal point on the square.
Before you leave call in at the Cafe du Theatre for some refreshments before heading into the rue de la Loge (north side of the Square) for a bit of shopping.
If, after all this, you still crave some sightseeing, head to the Cathedrale St-Pierre and the Promenade de Peyrou in the north-west of the City. (Both about 500m/550yds from Place de la Comedie)