On the more modern side, The White Tree is an architecturally unique apartment building that, from a distance, resembles its nickname. Our hotel, the Golden Tulip, was brand new and in an extremely convenient location — it was literally across the street from the train station. Breakfast included a tiered tray similar to a tea tray that offered morning bites, pastries, and a poached egg.

There’s plenty of art in Montpellier, including unique street art. A street artist known as BMX managed to embed a bicycle into the side of a building, providing mischievous social commentary on the city’s rapid expansion. The Musee Fabre is a favorite in Europe and features impressive collections of art, sculpture, and ceramics from the Renaissance to the modern day. It’s open daily except on Mondays.

The food hall and marketplace Halles du Lez is packed with stalls selling everything from seafood platters to pizza. Naked offers only fresh cocktails and egg dishes. We sampled its egg foam cloud, a unique and popular treat. Outside is a food truck area with live music. The busy market is also home to vendors selling clothing, crafts, and other items. For a delicious meal in a quiet garden setting, try the gourmet bites at Restaurant Le Petit Jardin.

We enjoyed discovering Montpellier’s hidden gems like the Mikve, a ritual bath once used by the Jewish community. There are some things you can only see with a guide, so check with the tourist office if you’re interested.

Driving through the South of France is a wonderful way to explore this beautiful area. With a little planning, you can have quite a fun and memorable experience.

social experiment by Livio Acerbo #greengroundit #flipboard https://www.travelawaits.com/2483565/south-of-france-driving-tour/