Sept 27, Thursday, Marseille

This was a travel day. We took the tram to the Montpellier train station, went for a coffee latte and waited for the train track to be posted. 

Montpellier has a fantastic transportation system.

Shortly after 1:00pm we arrived to Marseille - big city, huge train station that leaves you feeling overwhelmed! My pre-drawn map was not very helpful. We asked some people for help and met a wonderful young women that had good English, and we discovered she had spent time in Vancouver, staying with an uncle in White Rock. She tried to explain directions to our hotel, and then offered to walk with us part of the way. Because of a foot injury, Julie was very slow. The backpack was putting too much weight on her foot. This girl offered to carry Julie's pack, which Julie declined. Thankfully we found our hotel and Julie was delighted to get rid of the backpack. We took a stroll around the old port, and it was very picturesque and touristy. 

Leaving the Marseille train station

In the distance is the Notre Dame Cathedral 

Hard to believe the beauty of this bus and train station 

The Old Port

Lots of trendy (and pricy) restaurants 

The Notre Dame Cathedral overlooking the harbour 

This is an interesting structure in the harbour, reflecting images on the ground. Underneath the structure is an artist using straps and pullies to balance a huge rock on top of another.

Reflections 

Balanced! Amazing!

Finally bringing the balanced rock down

Sept 26, Wednesday, last day in Montpellier

This was an awesome day at the beach, which was 15 minutes away by bus. Many other people going as well, and everyone getting off at the small town of Palavas les Fot where there was a street market. We made our way along the promenade, which ended after about 1 km, and the shore was then lined with beach homes and apartments.  Its off season and many homes and apartments closed for the season. It must be amazing during the summer.

After two hours of walking we found a store where we purchased food and refreshments for a picnic. And found a perfect stop on the beach. There were a few sun bathers, and many surfers enjoying the high waves.

 

Sept 25 Day 3 in Montpellier

Day 3 in Montpellier we awoke to a chilly morning, overcast and a few sprinkles of rain. We left the hotel with our jackets, and decided to postpone our trip to the beach. But within an hour the temperature reached 24c and the jackets came off. We decided to walk to the river, which was quite interesting, cutting through a modern section of the town. The architecture was modern, but its design was similar to old and massive structures of columns and arches. We then explored the narrow streets with specialty shops and quaint restaurants. It's surprising to see many tattoo shops in all the major cities.

One disturbing observation is the number of young people who smoke. It seems to be fashionable/cool factor. Very sad to see many teenagers also indulging in this habit. 

Also interesting was the number Uber Eat drivers around town. We were in the park and a teenage couple had food delivered to their park bench. Isn't technology amazing!

River walk

Have a close look at this building. No those are not real balconies. They are 3-dimensional paintings.

Sept 23-24 Montpellier

Train travel is so easy and efficient in most European countries, but a warning, buy tickets well in advance, optimum travel times fill up quickly.  Arriving to Montpellier was quite an experience. I had booked the Ibis Budget Hotel, which is located outside of the city centre, but I was unaware of the distance and difficulty to walk there. I asked a few people how to get to our hotel. They tried to help but, being new to the city, the tram system was confusing. We eventually located the tourism office to get a map and instructions to use the tram, which turned out to be easy. 

By day 2 we figured out the tram system and city layout. And Montpellier is such a beautiful city. Lots of historical sites, churches, university and aqueduct. And lets not forget the food. Today we bought food and wine at a market and enjoyed a picnic in the park.  

What is the name of the restaurant behind Julie? 

Yes, sad to say, it is McDonald's! 

Can you see two people by their windows?

I was taking a picture of this rock, which is a good simulation of forest vegetation. There is water going overtop making for a moist surface for plants and moss at the bottom.

Arc de Triumph 

Crooked picture, crooked photographer.

Palace of Justice 

Quite an amazing water tower. This was once the drinking water for the town.

Historical aqueduct 

University Faculty of Medicine

Cathedral St Pierre next to the Faculty of Medicine....is there a hidden message how medicine was practised in the 17th century?

These organ pipes are amazing!