Montpellier, city in southern France, capital of Hérault Department, near the Mediterranean Sea. It is a commercial and manufacturing center; products include chemicals, textiles, and processed food. Electronics and pharmaceuticals are also important to the economy. An annual international wine festival is held in the city. Points of interest include a terraced promenade with views of the Mediterranean; the Atger Museum and the Fabre Museum, both housing noted collections of paintings; and France's oldest botanical garden (1593). The universities of Montpellier I, II, and III (1220, reorganized 1970) are here.
Founded by the 8th century, Montpellier grew as an educational center from the 13th century. In the 17th century it became the capital of the Languedoc region. Many refugees from Algeria settled here after the country became independent of France in 1962. Population (1999) 225,392.
