When you find yourself in southern France, make sure you spend time in Montpellier. Home rentals abound in the city, which is the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region and France's 8th largest. While staying at a Montpellier vacation rental, explore the Odysseum, a 140,000 sq.m. architectural complex that references both Ulysses in Greek mythology and Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Aquarium Mare Nostrum
One of France's biggest aquariums, Aquarium Mare Nostrum provides visitors a different experience of the Mediterranean Sea. Montpellier's new-generation aquarium features 15 scenes and 24 pools with more than 3,500 marine creatures from nearly 300 species. The admission rates are €12.50 for adults, €9 for children aged 3 to 12 years old; €10 for students and City Card Montpellier holders; and free for children below 3. Their special rate for families (2 adults and 2 children) is €34. From September to June, the aquarium is open 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday through Thursday and 10 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday. In July through August, they are open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Planétarium Galilée
Featuring state-of-the-art technology, Planétarium Galilée takes visitors on "a virtual intergalactic voyage" through screenings of educational films like L'aube de l'ère spatiale, Galaktos, Rendez-vous, La petite planète and Mission Mars. The planetarium features a dome/screen 15 meters in diameter where 3D graphics are projected. The admission rates are €6.30 for adults, €5.30 for children less than 12 years old. During school days in the city, the planetarium is open daily from 1:30 pm to 6 pm.
Végapolis
Taking its name after Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, Végapolis is Montpellier's ice skating rink that features 2 different tracks with 2 different ambiances: an Olympic-class sports track and a playful track. With a plan that meets international standards and bleachers that could seat 2,400 spectators, the sports track could be used for competitions, exhibitions and hockey matches. The playful track, on the other hand, has a discotheque, festive lights, decorations and a resident DJ. The admission rates are €4.70 for adults, €3.80 for children less than 16 years old. Végapolis is open daily all throughout the year.
Cinéma Gaumont Montpellier Multiplexe
A modern 16-screen cinema complex, Cinéma Gaumont Montpellier Multiplexe can accommodate up to 4,000 viewers. Screening all major movies releases in the comfort and luxury of digital sound, the cinema's main attractions are its Dynamic Cinema and 3D IMAX. With Dynamic Cinema, moviegoers experience more than an audiovisual treat as their seats move according to the images and scenes projected in the big screen. With 3D IMAX, spectators experience the movie in a glorious 3 dimensions.
Acrochats
Ideal for families with small kids, Acrochats is a miniature leisure
park especially designed for children up to 12 years old. Through themed
games and indoor play areas, children can have fun in a secure and
comfortable environment. Parents can enjoy a library, a cafe, a cinema
screen and WiFi while waiting for their little ones. The admission rates
are €10 for children, €3 for parents; and free for children below 18
months.
Explore this leisure district that has 96 boutiques and
12 restaurants on top of these attractions. Vamoose.com can help you
sort through home rentals in the Montpellier area so you can find one that will suit
your needs.