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Montpellier
Capital of the lower Languedoc, Montpellier is an ancient university city which is also renowned for its medical school, founded in the 13th century. Today, Montpellier is a bustling city with tree-lined promenades, broad avenues and historic monuments. The city is home to one of France's great provincial art galleries, Musee Fabre, situated in the former Hotel de Massilian. It was here that the great Moliere once played for a season. Named for a Montpellier painter, Francois Fabre, the gallery boasts works by Rubens and other classic artists. Between late June and early July, the city is host to the Festival International Montpellier Danse, with performances of classical and modern dance. Later in July there is the Festival de Radio France et de Montpellier, which presents orchestral music, jazz and opera. For more regular performances, try the most up-to-date theatre in the city, Le Corum, within the Palais des Congres, Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle. As the sun sets, make your way to Place Jean-Jaures, Rue de Verdun and Rue des Ecoles Laiques for a carnival atmosphere of jugglers, mime artists and musical acts. As a university city (students constitute roughly a quarter of the population), Montpellier is geared towards the younger generation, offering discos, jazz clubs and bars.