Ruth (right) and her friend Louise at their favourite ap\u00e9ritif spot at Place du March\u00e9 aux Fleurs.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

Why I went to Montpellier, France<\/strong>
\nWhen my friend Louise – Edinburgh native turned chic Montpellier resident – offered to show me around her new home city, I couldn\u2019t resist. How often do you get a chance to discover a little-known French destination courtesy of your own personal tour guide? I didn\u2019t know much about Montpellier, but I was promised a laid-back university city with great bars, an artsy vibe and glorious Mediterranean sunshine. Oh, and cheese. Lots and lots of cheese.<\/p>\n

That sealed the deal, if I’m honest.<\/p>\n

My highlight of the trip<\/strong>
\nWith its pedestrianised centre, historic Montpellier is a joy to explore on foot. My favourite day began with a walk along the Promenade du Peyrou for panoramic views of the city, followed by a stroll through the sun-drenched Jardin des Plantes. We ate lunch in the shade of Place du Petit Scel\u2019s beautifully restored church, which doubles up – in true Montpellier style – as an arts exhibition centre. Next up, there was a visit to the bustling Place de la Com\u00e9die, before taking in the eclectic photography exhibits at Pavillon Populaire. Dinner in a tiny restaurant tucked away down a side street festooned in colourful lanterns provided the perfect finale to a perfect day.<\/p>\n

What else I love about Montpellier<\/strong>
\nFrom tiny contemporary galleries to the grand Fabre museum and its fine art collection, art pops up everywhere in Montpellier. Even the trams are a work of art, with eye-catching exteriors by the fashion designer Christian Lacroix.<\/p>\n

On hot days, you can hop on one of the city\u2019s Velomagg rental bikes and take a leisurely pedal along the banks of the River Lez. We spotted Camargue flamingos along the way and cooled off with a swim in the Med at the pretty beach town of Palavas-les-Flots. And needless to say, while it may be a French holiday clich\u00e9, the food really was incredible. Local cheeses, amazing Languedoc wines and no end of diet-busting pastries. <\/p>\n