Embark on a poetic journey in Montpellier, South of France, with Paul Valéry as your guide. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the city through the eyes of its greatest poet, discovering the places that inspired Valéry’s verses and unleashing the wanderlust of a literary soul in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Nestled in the warmth of the South of France, Montpellier holds more than just historic charm and Mediterranean allure – it encapsulates the essence of Paul Valéry, the city’s famed poet. Born in Sète to a Corsican father and an Italian mother, later finding his way to Montpellier, Valéry’s presence lingers in the very fabric of the city, shaping its narrative.

Wander through the narrow lanes of Rue de l’Ecole de Droit and Rue Urbain V, streets that once bore witness to the adolescent musings of a young Valéry. These streets, with their timeless architecture, offer a glimpse into the poet’s formative years.

In case you need some extra inspiration:

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Visit the Faculty of Law where Valéry, a law student, immersed himself in the works of Baudelaire and Edgar Allan Poe. He starts publishing his poems during this period in ‘Le Courrier Libre’. Today, the university stands as a testament to his literary legacy.

Experience the botanical bliss of the Montpellier Botanical Garden

Paul Valéry loved taking leisurely walks in Montpellier’s Botanical Garden – a must-visit spot that I highly recommend spending an entire day exploring. Trust me, you won’t be able to leave without crafting a little poem yourself. The place exudes inspiration, and it’s no surprise that it sparked creativity in renowned authors like Valéry and André Gide.

At the entrance, Valéry’s timeless poem ‘Narcisse parle’ sets the tone for the inspiration that awaits within.

Montpellier’s Architecture that Inspires

Explore Montpellier’s Old Cathedral, a place where Valéry found solace and inspiration. For him, it wasn’t just a religious sanctuary. It was an architectural masterpiece that fueled his poetic spirit, a timeless gem that still captivates visitors.

Montpellier’s Azure Mediterranean

Follow Valéry’s footsteps to the sea, where azure waters and the fragrance of plants ignited his creative passion. Discover the profound connection between the poet and the Mediterranean, an influence that resonates in his works.

Valéry was torn between the cosmopolitan allure of Paris and the comforting embrace of Montpellier that remained his poetic sanctuary.

Later on, Valéry, alongside his fellow poets, found his way to Paris, but his heart always sought refuge in Montpellier. A poetic recluse, Montpellier offered the perfect backdrop – a cultural haven by the sea.

In Paris, he resided on Rue Villejust, now known as Rue Paul Valéry, in the XVI arrondissement. Though he breathed his last in Paris, his poetic fervor had its roots in Sète, and Montpellier was where the spark truly ignited – among its streets, architectural marvels, the embracing sea, and his inspiring university.

The poet’s journey, much like Montpellier itself, is a tale of nuanced emotions, cultural treasures, and an enduring connection to the Mediterranean.

Montpellier, with Valéry as your guide, invites you to explore its streets.

The city isn’t just a physical space, it’s a living narrative of a poet’s journey. Unleash your wanderlust and let the simplicity and charm of Montpellier, narrated through the lens of Paul Valéry, unfold before you.

I have made a suggestion for poetry: that one should approach it as pure sonority, reading and rereading it as a sort of music, and should not introduce meanings or intentions into the diction before clearly grasping the system of sounds that every poem must offer on pain of nonexistence.

Paul Valéry

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