L'Écusson (Old Town)
L'Écusson
A medieval old town named after its shield-shaped outline, full of stone alleys, courtyards of private mansions and small shops.
L'Écusson is the historic heart of Montpellier, enclosed by the ring of the medieval city walls. Its narrow, winding lanes are dotted with staircase courtyards of 17th- and 18th-century aristocratic mansions (hôtels particuliers), Place Canourgue, the Church of Sainte-Anne, and many independent shops and bars. In summer, the tourist office opens some private mansion courtyards for guided visits. The whole district can be explored on foot, but there are many slopes, so flat shoes are recommended.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Halles Castellane
- Montpellier Cathedral (Saint-Pierre)
- Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier
- Musée Fabre
- Place de la Comédie
- Arc de Triomphe (Porte du Peyrou)
- MO.CO. Hôtel des collections
- Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier