Heart of the City in Lights 2024: discover our five favorite illuminations in Montpellier

The 9th edition of “Heart of the City in Lights” takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. until this Saturday. Our five favorites can be discovered right here.

1. Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the most magical

Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the most magical. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

On the theme of medicine, the monument becomes a real living organism. A heart, lungs, the brain… Saint-Pierre Cathedral is examined through the prism of medicine and science. The architectural spectacle concludes with a point of view on astrology. A projection, lasting seven minutes, which perfectly matches the contours of the building and particularly its two towers. Waiting for the illumination, various historical figures of science, passing through Montpellier, parade at the entrance to the cathedral. Little recognized in history, women are highlighted, which arouses the curiosity of some. “We know men. We learn about women.”

2. The courtyard of the Agora, the longest wait

The courtyard of the Agora, the longest wait Midi Libre – Joelle Calvet

Dance for all tastes. The performance is divided into three shows for a total duration of eleven minutes. The illuminations on the facade of the courtyard allow you to enter the world of dance, from modern jazz to classical, including breakdancing. The pink flamingos also get their moment with “Move your Flamingo”. Be careful, however, with the queue to enter the courtyard and not confuse it with the Théâtre de l’Agora, where the “Gaming zone” takes place.

3. The Plant Garden, the most natural

The Plant Garden, the most natural Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

The most anticipated novelty of this year. This time, it is not the walls that are illuminated but the plants with a story told. The nature side is highlighted with animal sounds, while letting the narrator retrace the secrets and legends of the first botanical garden in France. Lots of colors to illuminate the Plant Garden right through to the greenhouses.

The show allows for a 220-meter stroll, from top to bottom, along Boulevard Henri IV, with a few surprises in store. A novelty that fascinates spectators, especially children. But that generates a certain incomprehension. Part of the public wondered whether they should stay there or go down the boulevard to discover the different paintings. A first for the place, successful despite everything with this new addition.

4. The Opéra Comédie, the most unmissable

The Opéra Comédie, the most unmissable Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

It is the most iconic facade in Montpellier and the most watched illumination. This year, the Opéra Comédie remains in its standings. The show evokes the international influence of the city through art by retracing the history of the legendary hall. Lasting seven minutes, the projection called “Passions” allows all spectators to enter the venue while remaining outside. A particular tribute is paid to the personalities and works that have made the Opera famous. An ode to living art.

5. Notre-Dame-des-Tables, the most deceptive

Notre-Dame-des-Tables, the most deceptive Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

The discreet youth. On the very small Place Notre-Dame, it is first of all a certain incomprehension which first emerges from the spectators who come to see the work. Three blue carnations hanging from the central tree of the square. “Is that just it? The crowd effect got us”exclaims a passerby who came to see the show in front of the Le Bistrok restaurant. Some local residents even went so far as to enter the basilica to see if the spectacle was actually inside the building. The explanation finally makes sense. The flower is a species endemic to the city and represents youth. Montpellier is recognized as an international student city.