Place de la Canourgue

Place de la Canourgue, the oldest square in Montpellier

Discreet, beautiful and romantic: that is how the people of Montpellier readily describe Place de la Canourgue. In the shade of the hackberry trees, it is among the oldest and most charming squares in the city. The Montpellier audio-guided tour lingers here to savour this peaceful corner, far from the bustle of the great squares.

An old jewel in the heart of the Écusson

Considered the oldest square in Montpellier, the Canourgue occupies a central spot in the Écusson, the historic district. Lined with private mansions, it keeps the charm of another time, with its old façades and its fountain. Long a place of power and prestige, it has become a romantic haven where it is pleasant to stroll, away from the tourist flows.

What to see

Under the hackberry trees, you admire the fountain and its elegant façades, in a hushed atmosphere conducive to strolling. The square is prized for its terraces and its calm, a stone's throw from the centre's main axes. It is a well-kept secret of Montpellier, where people come to find a moment of sweetness, especially at the end of the day when the light plays on the stone.

Practical information

Place de la Canourgue lies in the heart of the Écusson, the historic centre of Montpellier, reachable on foot. It is a public space open at all times, with no ticket office, lending itself to a break in the shade. As the district is pedestrian and made of cobbled lanes, it is best explored on foot, parking being very limited in the old centre.

Why is Place de la Canourgue so renowned?

Because it is considered the oldest and one of the most beautiful and romantic squares in Montpellier, with its hackberry trees, its fountain and its private mansions.

Where is Place de la Canourgue?

In the heart of the Écusson, the historic centre of Montpellier, a few steps from the main monuments and Place de la Comédie.