Montpellier is the seventh-largest city in France and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Located in southern France in the region of Occitanie, Montpellier (map) is just a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea. On a flight to Montpellier from Amsterdam, I was treated to panoramic views of the historic centre of Montpellier from the plane window. I sat on the right side of the plane (‘F’) and the aerial view of Montpellier before landing was amazing.
Before the final approach into Montpellier, the plane also passed another amazing French architectural icon: the Millau Viaduct, reputedly the tallest bridge in the world.
Aerial view of Montpellier from a plane window
With a population of less than 300,000, Montpellier is a relatively small city with university students making up about a quarter of the population – established in 1220, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest in the world. Montpellier became an important trading and cultural centre in the 12th century. Today, its historic city centre, with its broad boulevards and atmospheric lanes, is a joy to explore. Read more about things to do in Montpellier.
As the city centre came into view, I first noticed the Montpellier Cathedral, with the university adjacent to it. The two towers of the Cathedral and the lone tower of the Carré St. Anne were easy to spot. The Promenade du Peyrou, with its Arc de Triomphe and surrounded by trees in a chain-like formation, was also clearly visible.
As the plane flew further south towards the airport, the impressive Place du Millénaire and Place de Thessalie came into view. Surrounded by buildings in a key-like shape, these squares are another focal point of the city.
Another Montpellier landmark soon came into view: the Place de L’Europe (the buildings in a half circle below). I also spotted a curious-looking white building across the river from the Place de L’Europe. As soon as the plane landed, I looked it up and it’s the L’Arbre Blanc (the ‘White Tree’), a condominium complex with a striking tree-like design. I love how the balconies jut out like branches of a tree.
Here’s what the L’Arbre Blanc building looks like from the ground:
The runway of Montpellier airport extends into a lagoon. Look closely after landing and you’ll spot the resident flamingos in the lagoon! If you’re flying into Montpellier, book a window seat for stunning aerial views!
Read other Velvet Escape posts from the Plane Views series:
- Plane views: Himalayas and Mount Everest
- Plane views: Lisbon
- Plane views: Mauritius
- Plane views: Athens
- Plane views: Rio de Janeiro
- Plane views: Santiago to Punta Arenas (Chilean Andes & Patagonia)
- Plane views: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
[…] be my best opportunity to visit the Millau Viaduct. I saw it from the plane window again on the flight to Montpellier and I was excited to get a closer […]
What a beautiful and unique city to fly into! The sights are spectacular and it’s super interesting what all you can see from the “birds eye view.” The L’Arbre Blanc building looks like a very cool place to live.