Exploring the newer town

Today we were determined to get bikes to hire so thought we would use proper hire companies rather tan the "free" bikes.  I got the addresses of two and was excited to triumph.  Except that today we learned is a public holiday.  Its L'Ascencion day - or the day marking the 40th day of easter and the day that Jesus went up to Heaven.  This of course means that many things are shut - including bike hire places!!!! grrr

So again we took off on foot.  We decided to go to the other side of town, or the Antigone area which would be described as new town.  Its a suburb that was built over the area that was named to honour a French war Hero.  The whole architecture in this area is the same and designed by one man.  The last building here was only built in the late 70's.

We took off towards the river Lez where we had seen a nice building when we drove in.  A new problem is that Montpellier is also hosting the FISE world championships this weekend.  Whats that I hear you say?  Well the definition will explain it. FISE = Festival International Sports Extremes (wakeboarding, BMX, rollerblading, skateboarding etc).  Yup.  This area has been inn-undated with a whole bunch of adults who think that they're still kids.

The whole waterfront area was fenced off so once we walked where we wanted to go we had no choice but to turn around and go back.  We did get a little look at the river which seemed quite nice. 

Aussie bar with pride of place along the river

lots of trees

We walked back through the Peyrou Promenade and noticed that the buildings have a distinctly ancient greek feel about them.  Bit disappointing really as they're not really that impressive.

looks unfinished

the building centre rear is the Polygone - giant shopping centre

Dinner tonight was at a burger place around the corner of the hotel.