Montpellier, France

The 7th largest city in France Montpellier became Louisville’s sister city in 1954 when an exchange program was set up between Montpellier and the University of Louisville. The French city even donated the statue of Louis XVI placed outside City Hall in 1967 that is still standing today.

  • City (2020): 299,096

    Metropolitan Area (2020): 813,272

    Students make up 1/3 of the city’s population

  • Les Estivales: Wine tasting, market, and musical event that occurs every Friday from June to September (seems like a large scale Waterfront Wednesday)

    Aqueduc Saint Germain: large aqueduct that runs through the middle of the city

  • Faculte de Medecine: the oldest medical school in the western world

    Founded in 985 AD when residents of Maguelonne were pushed inland by pirate raids

    Originally part of the Gilhem feudal dynasty

    Large hub for protestants after the Reformation

    Invaded and claimed by King Louis XIII in 1622

    The city is known for making violins.

  • Grisettes de Montpellier: honey and licorice candy

    Les Grès de Montpellier: signature red wine

    Coteaux du Languedoc AOC wines: wine from the largest vineyard in France

  • Year-long exchange program through UofL (scholarship provided by the University of Montpellier)

    Montpellier gifted Louisville with the statue of King Louis XVI that stands outside city hall in 1967

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