Walk between the arches of the vast aqueduct near the moated water tower in this dazzling park celebrating the glory of a monarch.

The Arc de Triomphe and an equestrian statue of Louis XIV provide a regal charm to the scenic 18th-century Place du Peyrou. The park is known for its aqueduct and neoclassical water tower, whose summit offers panoramic views of Montpellier’s historic center. Wander along the tree-lined esplanade at the park’s core and admire the various statues and gardens.

Reach the Arc de Triomphe at the eastern end of the esplanade and marvel at its sheer size. See the royal coat of arms alongside the bas-reliefs, Latin inscriptions and medallions. Guided tours are available through the tourism office, allowing you to climb up the 90 steps leading to the viewing platform at the top of the arch.

Snap photos of this triumphal arch, with the Louis XIV equestrian statue and the water tower in the backdrop. Walk through the arch and cross a narrow road to enter the park. In summer, students and visitors can be found sunbathing on the patches of grass along the esplanade.

Study the sculpture of Louis XIV with his arm raised victoriously, then continue to the Château d’Eau water tower. Spiraling stone staircases lead up to the base of this neoclassical structure, which is fronted by a partial moat. Enjoy the views of the park and the adjoining aqueduct. See the structure at night, when the undersides of its arches are illuminated in a dark blue glow.

Note that the park was constructed in 1774, when Louis XVI took the throne. It is free to enter and open to the public from early morning until midnight in summer. Expect it to close earlier in winter.

Peyrou Park is a little west of the city center of Montpellier. Walk west from the Place de la Comédie for 10 minutes to get here, passing through the Arc de Triomphe on the way. While here, explore the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier botanical garden and the shops of the Rue Foch.

Plan a trip to see La Promenade du Peyrou

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Hotel de Paris

per person

10 Feb - 15 Feb

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

Brisbane (BNE) to Montpellier (MPL)

8.2/10 Very Good! (443 reviews)

We booked a superior double room. After two weeks travelling around other towns in the area this was meant to be the highlight of our stay. The cost of the room was almost double what we had paid in other hotels and the quality of the room was way below all of them. The lighting in the room was so poor I couldn’t even see to write a postcard and the only bedside light was broken. The toilet was in a separate cubicle and you couldn’t close the door if sitting on the toilet. There was no wash basin in the room so you had to go into the bathroom to wash hands. The shower smelt awful and there was not enough light to wash yourself. The next day the receptionist offered us another room but we had to repack all our belongings and put them into storage until 3 in the afternoon. The new room was bigger but was a strange arrangement with a couch and wardrobe downstairs but everything else upstairs. This room was very quiet and I guess they tried to help us but we no longer had a separate shower. The bath was very big but we had to step into it to shower and there was no handle to hold onto getting in and out. We paid for breakfast on the first morning but there was no orange juice in the machine and the selection was poor so we ate the following breakfasts in a nearby cafe. The location of the hotel was perfect but we were disappointed with what was meant to be the highlight of our holiday.

Reviewed on 5 Sep. 2024