Montpellier and its suburbs has about 420,000 inhabitants. It is the capital and the largest city of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Montpellier was founded in 985 and since then has continuously developed on a beautiful site, facing the Mediterranean sea to the south and backed to the north by the mountains of the Massif Central (Les Cévennes).

Formed by its long history, Montpellier offers two faces: the old town, small enough to walk around through the narrow streets often lined with 18th century mansions or older buildings and the modern town, dynamic and developing as emphasized by the impressive building complex of Antigone, created by the Spanish born architect, Ricardo Bofill. Montpellier is also a "University city" with +60,000 students spread over 11 disciplines. Research plays a major role in biology, medicine, engineering, chemistry, agricultural sciences, computer sciences, etc...

Finally, Montpellier is a perfect place for enjoyable entertainment with hundreds of fine restaurants and bars (often outdoors in August), movie theatres, opera, etc.. There are also a great Olympic indoor swimming pool and a brand new ice-skating park in the city as well as many places for an unforgettable jog like along the Lez River (for fit runners, a round trip to the seaside is about 20 km). Finally the seaside (typical towns such as Palavas) is only 10 km away and can be reached by city buses (30 min trip).

  Getting Around Montpellier:
To travel around or use buses and/or the tramway

  Weather and clothing:
August in Montpellier is generally sunny and hot (25-30°C). A jumper may be required if you spend the evening on the sea front. [ Forecast for Montpellier ]

  Liability and insurance:
The organizers of the conference accept no responsibility for any accident to persons or loss or damage to property of participants before, during or after the conference. We thus recommend that every participant has individual medical, travel or personal insurance. EU Nationals should bring their own stamped E111 form.

  Electrical current:
The electrical current in France is 220 volts 50 Hz; 2 pin round plugs.