1-Day Self-guided tour of Antigone district, Montpellier

At a Glance: 1-Day Antigone Itinerary

Planning your visit to this district is easy because the layout follows a very straight and logical path. You can start your walk near the Polygone shopping center and finish at the regional government building. This route covers about one kilometer of grand architecture and open public spaces for you to enjoy. Most visitors find that a single day is plenty of time to see every major landmark here.

The area is especially beautiful in the morning when the sun hits the light-colored stone of the buildings. You will find many benches and cafes where you can stop and admire the impressive neoclassical surroundings. Walking through these plazas feels like walking through a movie set due to the consistent design style. Check our blog for more travel tips and guides for your next French adventure.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking on paved surfaces for several hours. The district is very flat, so it is accessible for everyone regardless of their fitness level or age. Bring a camera to capture the dramatic perspectives created by the long vistas and perfectly aligned structures. This self-guided tour of Antigone district will show you a different side of French urban planning and art.

• Day 1: Exploring the neoclassical beauty of Antigone.
  • Morning: Place du Nombre d'Or.
  • Afternoon: Fountains of Place de Thessalie.
  • Evening: River views at Esplanade de l'Europe.

Your 1-Day Self-guided tour of Antigone district

Begin your journey at the Place du Nombre d'Or, which serves as the grand entrance to the district. This circular plaza is surrounded by buildings that feature massive columns and large glass windows for natural light. The scale of the architecture here is meant to impress and create a sense of civic pride. Take a moment to notice how the buildings curve perfectly to create a harmonious and enclosed public space.

Next, walk toward the Place de Thessalie to see the beautiful central fountain and the surrounding greenery. This spot is often quieter and offers a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to escape the city noise. This walk pairs well with a walking route through Montpellier old town nearby for a full day. The details on the facades here reflect Bofill's interest in classical proportions and ancient Mediterranean culture.

Continue your walk toward the Esplanade de l'Europe, which is a massive semi-circular plaza facing the river. This is the most iconic part of the district and offers wide views of the modern Hotel de Region. The open space is perfect for children to run around or for you to enjoy a picnic lunch. You will find several restaurants with outdoor seating that look out over the water and the grassy banks.

End your day by crossing the bridge over the Lez River to see the buildings from a distance. The reflection of the neoclassical structures in the water creates a stunning visual effect during the golden hour. This area is popular with locals who come here to jog, cycle, or simply enjoy the fresh air. It is the perfect conclusion to your architectural exploration of this unique and bold Montpellier neighborhood.

1. Day 1: A walking tour of Bofill's masterpiece.
   • Morning: Start at Place du Nombre d'Or.
   • Afternoon: See the Place de Thessalie.
   • Evening: Walk along the Lez River.
   • Time: Five to six hours total.
   • Logistics: Use tram lines one or four.
   • Optional: Visit the nearby Polygone mall.

The History of the Antigone District

The Antigone district was built on land that formerly belonged to the French military in the city center. The mayor of Montpellier wanted to expand the city eastward toward the river in a very grand way. He hired Ricardo Bofill to create a master plan that would provide social housing in a beautiful setting. Construction began in 1978 and continued for over two decades to complete the entire vision for the area.

Bofill used pre-cast concrete panels that were colored to look like traditional Mediterranean stone and Greek marble. This innovative technique allowed for rapid construction while maintaining a very high level of decorative detail and style. The project was revolutionary because it brought high-end architectural design to affordable housing for local French citizens. It remains one of the most successful examples of large-scale postmodern urban design in the world today.

The name Antigone comes from Greek mythology, reflecting the classical themes found throughout the entire district's design. Every plaza and street name in the area pays homage to ancient Greek history or famous mythological figures. This consistent theme creates a strong sense of place that is different from any other neighborhood in Montpellier. It is quite different from the visiting Montpellier Cathedral Saint Pierre experience in the medieval quarter.

Today, the district is a thriving community with shops, offices, apartments, and many popular public recreational spaces. It has become a symbol of Montpellier's modernization and its ambition to be a major European cultural hub. Architects and students from around the world visit this site to study its unique form and social function. Your self-guided tour of Antigone district will help you appreciate the complexity of this massive urban project.

Best Photo Spots in Antigone

The best photo spots are found where the symmetry of the buildings creates a perfect frame for your shots. Stand in the center of the Place du Nombre d'Or to capture the repetitive patterns of the columns. The low sun in the late afternoon creates long shadows that add depth to your architectural photography here. The views here rival those from climbing the Montpellier Arc de Triomphe for sheer visual impact.

Another great location is the fountain at Place de Thessalie, especially when the water is flowing and sparkling. Capture the contrast between the blue water and the warm tones of the surrounding neoclassical stone walls. Wide-angle lenses are very helpful here to fit the massive scale of the buildings into a single frame. Try shooting from a low angle to make the columns look even more towering and impressive in photos.

The Esplanade de l'Europe offers a panoramic view that is perfect for landscape-style shots of the whole district. From here, you can see the glass facade of the Hotel de Region reflecting the sky and river. Walk down to the river bank to get a shot of the entire semi-circular building from across the water. This perspective shows how the architecture interacts with the natural landscape and the flowing Lez River.

Do not forget to look for smaller details like the statues and ornate light fixtures throughout the neighborhood. These elements add character and a sense of history to the relatively modern structures built in the eighties. Night photography is also popular here because the buildings are beautifully lit with warm golden lights after dark. Your self-guided tour of Antigone district will provide endless opportunities for creative and memorable travel photography.

Where to Stay and Eat Near Antigone

Staying near Antigone is a great choice because it is very close to the main train station. You can find modern hotels that offer great views of the plazas and easy access to the tram. The area is much quieter at night than the busy streets of the historic city center nearby. It is an ideal base for exploring both the modern and ancient parts of Montpellier on foot.

For dining, the Esplanade de l'Europe has many restaurants that serve traditional French and Mediterranean cuisine daily. You can enjoy a meal while looking out over the river and watching the locals walk by. There are also many casual cafes near the Place du Nombre d'Or for a quick coffee or snack. The prices in this area are generally reasonable and offer good value for travelers on a budget.

The nearby Polygone shopping center also has a large food court with many different international dining options. It is a convenient place to grab a quick lunch before starting your afternoon walk through the district. Many locals shop here, so it is a great place to experience the daily life of the city. You will find everything from gourmet bakeries to simple sandwich shops within a short walking distance.

If you prefer a more formal setting, look for the upscale brasseries located along the main pedestrian axis. These spots often feature outdoor terraces where you can soak up the sun and the grand atmosphere. Booking a table in advance is a good idea during the busy summer months or on weekends. Enjoying local food in such a grand architectural setting is a highlight of any trip to Montpellier.