If you are trying to decide where in France you would like to learn French you have to consider Montpellier. This gorgeous rustic looking city has so much to offer people considering a French immersion course and one of those things that is truly special about Montpellier is the music scene. This little paradise for French students is smaller than some other destinations but it does not compromise on what it holds for music lovers and there is something for everyone in this part of the south of France.
In no certain order I’ll start with the Rockstore. This is a brilliant club/venue and is the main stop for all gigs rockish from indie, through alternative to heavy. They have been an institution in the French music scene since 1986 and can list some incredible acts among their performers like: Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz, PJ Harvey, Pulp, Brian Jonestown Massacre and many more you are likely to have heard of. A lot of us doing language stays however are more interested in French acts and they have a packed calendar of native performers so you can get your fill of the local scene which they highly promote. The part of the venue known as ‘L’Etage’ is specifically orientated towards local DJs. There is also the main room or the ‘La Grande Salle’ where their main club nights are held. So if you want to go for a specific gig like I said their schedule is crammed full of a wide range of artists but they also do regular club nights all week with pop, rock and indie blasting until 5am. The club nights open up after the gigs so if you want a bit of both you can have it all.
www.rockstore.fr
Something More Intimate For French Students With a Passion For Music
A little hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by French language students or anyone who isn’t a local is the ‘Up & Down’. An intimate bar that has one of those decors that just feels classy. Not in a 5 star hotel kind of way but in a simple stylish way that gets your attention. There is a cute little bridge you have to cross to get to ‘the scene’ and the rocky interior is very cool. Couple that with the fact the bar is smack in the middle of the historic centre and you start to get an idea of the place. It’s hard not to feel the charm when you have walked past the botanical gardens and the Hogwarts style cathedral to get there. This venue is particularly renowned for local artistes who tend to perform smack in the middle of the room in the midst of the music enthusiasts of Montpellier. Gigs are normally free and Thursday is a special folk night that has quite a cult following. If this sounds like a place you might like to visit whilst learning French in Montpellier be sure to be on your toes because it fills up fast. A mark of its enduring lure.
I couldn’t write an article on some of the best music venues in Montpellier without mentioning ‘La Pleine Lune’. I love this place! Not the most fancy but it has quickly worked its way into my heart. Why? It’s cheap, there are always free seats on the terrace under some toasty patio warmers and the music is fantastic. Almost every night of the week they have something going on and the range of stuff is incredible. I’ll be watching a couple of Jamaican guys swagger around stage to thumping reggae tunes one night to a fiddler and an accordionist tapping out traditional music another night. It’s fantastic, the team are super friendly and always interested in where you are from how your French is coming along. They have a long standing relationship with the residents of the Easy French Immersion School. Why again you ask? ‘La Pleine Lune’ is a 5 minute walk away from the residence! It is perfect and so often you can end up there with some other students having a music and fun filled evening just on a whim.
So there are a just a few of the great places Montpellier has to offer for people considering coming to study French here but there are tons more which I will discuss in later articles but these are a few close to my heart. It’s so great when new people come to take an intensive French immersion course and you take then to your favourite venues and slowly see them realise that it’s such a great place for music. It’s another one of the many things that make Montpellier the best place to learn French in France.