Place de la Comédie is an expansive oval-shaped plaza in the centre of Montpellier. The pedestrianized square is a popular meeting place and is surrounded by grand 19th-century buildings including an opera house.
Place de la Comédie has been a major part of city life for more than 250 years. Locals know it as L'Oeuf or the egg, because of its shape.
Do as many of the residents do and take a stroll through the square. Admire the Three Graces fountain near its centre. The large water feature depicts the three graces from Greek mythology sitting on a hill surrounded by cherubs. If it’s a hot day, you may see people dipping their feet in the water. Come back to the fountain at night when it’s lit up and looks an even more impressive sight.
Stand in front of the Opéra Comédie, the majestic 19th-century building where opera and classical music concerts are performed. Appreciate its elegant façade with large arched windows and columns. Check with the box office to see if there’s a performance while you are in town.
Stop for lunch at one of the bistros or restaurants with their tables spilling onto the plaza. Then explore the surrounding roads that are filled with shops and bars. Just off the square is Polygone, a large shopping centre that is home to national and international retailers.
Place de la Comédie is also a popular haunt in the evenings as many people dine in the restaurants or simply enjoy the atmosphere. There is usually a variety of street performers entertaining the crowds. From the end of November to the end of December the plaza hosts a Christmas market.
Being in the centre of the city, the Place de la Comédie is easy to get to by bus and tram. Montpellier’s main railway station, Montpellier Saint-Roch, is a short walk away and there is a metered multi-story parking lot under the plaza.
