The Republican journal., 1911-12-21
MONTPELIER.

After two days passed in funny old
Cette, between the olive groves and the
sea, we came here to beauteous Mont
pelller. Leaving the railway station
and crossing the street we found our
selves in an old-world miniature garden
with tiny pond, over which graceful
swans glided noiselessly. In one corner
is monument to ]. E. Planchon, that
prince OF wine merchants. The inscrip-
ton runs thus: "The American vine
Which caused the French vine to live
again, and triumph over the phylloxera. ="
This last is an insect which attacks the
young vine and kills it. The vines i'm
ported from America resist the on
slaughts of this insidious little creature,
and give new force and life to the native
plant, at the expense, however, of the
flavor of the grape, which is not so deli
cate.
We left Montpelier for the last in
our Autumn jauntings. 1t was the jewel
to give added lustre to all the rest. We
We're not disappointed. Montpelier is
one of the most beautiful provincial
towns in France, and has a population
of 80, 900. Art and harmony dwell side
by side.
1t is University town. The students
make life merry with their rollicking
songs, and midnight professions on the
occasion of some fete or other.
We caught our first glimpse of the
famous Peyrou, the pride of all Mont
pellierians, by moonlight. This fine
promenade was begun in 1859, and is
adorned by many notable works of art.
Its eliminating glory is the magnificent
Chateau d Eau, in the purest Corinthian
style, which receives the water from
the fountain of St. Clement, eleven miles
away by means of gigantic aqueduct,
built in the Roman manner, with two
superposed arches of solid masonry. The
first stone was laid on June 10, 1853.
Just outside the Peyrou, citywards,
stands the monumental Triumphal Arch,
built in honor of Louis XIV, in 1891.
In Montpelier the names of two kings
stand out in bold relief, Henri w and
Louis XIV. To them are dedicated
many of the public monuments and
parks. The botanical gardens were be.
gun in 1898, by Henri w.
Montpelier was founded in the VIII
century. 1t was torn apart by internal
wars in succeeding years, but in the
XIII century enjoyed a flourishing COM
merce with Genoa, Pisa, Nice, Hyeres,
etc. 1t was this rivalry of commercial
interests which occasioned the three
years war with her proud and powerful
neighbor, Marseilles.
In 1867 the city was taken by the
Professionals, who fortified it and made it
their rallying point until 1922, when, on
the 3rd of August, it was besieged by
Louis XIII, who finally made himself
master of the situation in October of the
same year.
Then followed period of unexampled
prosperity. The XVII and XVIII cen.
/ turtles did much for the Furnishing little
! town.
| Today, Montpelier is renowned, not
only for her University, but also for her
medical schools, founded as early as the
XII century; her splendidly equipped
hospitals, and her fine asylum for the
insane.
The Cathedral of st. Peter is unique in
its style Of construction. Begun by
Pope Urban V, in 1864, it underwent two
sieges by the Protestants, in 1861, and
1867. The main entrance is flanked by
two massive medieval towers which
support stone baldaquin. 1t is quaint
and curious. Certainly quite unlike any,
thing we have yet seen. The interior is
vast and elegant, adorned by several
magnificent stained glass windows in the
choir, and two rose windows of exquisite
beauty. The Cathedral possesses three
celebrated paintings: 1.-THE Fall of
Simon the Magician" by Sebastien
Bourbon, "Jesus Christ Giving the Keys
to St. Peter" by Antoine Ranc, and
est Peter Healing the Lame Man Be-
fore the Temple of Jerusalem" by Jean
de Troy. The first two artists were ma
tives of Montpelier.
Among the many notable old houses
here, three stand out prominently for
admirative appreciation. The Hotel de
Lunaret, was built by Jacques Occur,
that rich merchant of Bourges, the sill.