Where is it coolest in Montpellier: discover our selection of 5 parks where you can cool off with lower temperatures

Le point de départ des mesures effectuées : la place de la Comédie en plein soleil. Midi Libre – L. D.

Après la prise de mesures des températures à certains endroits de la ville, voici la liste des parcs et jardins où le mercure est plus bas, même si tout est relatif.

To determine the “coolest” from Montpellier to avoid suffering from the exhausting heat, Midi Libre measured – and compared – using a laser thermometer, the temperature in several places in the city.

A quick overview after a reading at Place de la Comédie in full sun of 40 °C on the ground. Far from being scientific, the data should be taken as an indication.

1. The fountains of the Esplanade in the shade of the plane trees: – 4.3°C

The Esplanade next to the Comédie: an island of freshness. Midi Libre – L.D.

This island of coolness inaugurated at the beginning of summer is fulfilling its role well. Moreover, the new fountains on the Esplanade – particularly at this “water gate” – have been very popular in recent weeks. Between the de-impermeabilization of the ground, the shade of the trees and the 63 jets of water coming out of the ground bring a fairly significant drop in temperature. With a ground reading of 35.7°C, the difference with the Place de la Comédie located a few meters away is – 4.3°C. But it is much superior in terms of feeling.

The shade of the plane trees, the children splashing around and the light breeze create a much greater feeling of freshness. The place is pleasant, passers-by can take a refreshing break there. Presented as a lung of the city centre and a refuge during heatwaves, the Esplanade keeps its promises.

2. On the banks of the Lez in the heart of Parc Méric: – 5.8 °C

The Méric park borders the Lez. Midi Libre – L. D.

The Méric park has the advantage of being on the banks of the Lez. Midi LIbre – L. D.

You have to go to Méric Park with its trees and plants to feel the most freshness. It must be said that at the water's edge, below the park, the Lez and the trees help lower the mercury. With a reading of 34.2 °C, at the level of the bank, it’s undoubtedly the coolest place in Montpellier : it must be said that it&rsquo ;is a place where nature is present and concrete is further away.

Lez, an asset. Midi Libre – L.D.

On the other hand, there is between 4 °C and 5 °C between the lower part of the park and the meadow located at the entrance.

At the meadow at the entrance to the park, the heat is greater. Midi Libre – L. D.

The Lez is therefore an essential cool asset in case of strong heat, with the possibility of soaking in it a little, even if you have to be careful in case of the presence of cyanobacteria as is the case currently.

4. The green stopover at the Jardin des Plantes : – 3.5 °C

The Montpellier Botanical Garden Montpellier, a very popular place. Midi Libre – L. D.

The Jardin des Plantes is stormed in the summer to enjoy a break outside. But during periods of heatwave, it is not necessarily the place to be. Despite its many trees and different plants, the desired feeling of freshness is not obvious. As the park is located at a lower level, the air may have difficulty circulating… Because the readings in the shade show 36.5°C, more in the sun.

A temperature all the same lower than that of the Place de la Comédie. This does not prevent you from relaxing in this magnificent place, from having a picnic or from taking a stroll, always choosing the shade.

5. The 8 hectares and 500 trees of Charpak Park: – 1.4°C

Charpak Park stretches as far as the eye can see. Midi Libre – L. D.

Georges-Charpak Park, which covers 8 hectares, was developed to provide a green space in the Port-Marianne district. With its water mirror facing the Jacques-Coeur basin, the place allows you to sit on the grass in the shade of its 500 trees such as white willows, oaks and umbrella pines.

It is best to go there in the evening, as it can still be hot. Indeed, the water jets being placed upstream of the green space, do not constitute an immediate contribution of freshness. The reading taken being 38.6 °C, it is the least fresh place of our top. But it has the advantage of being shaded and spacious.

The reflecting pool in front of the park does not help cool the place. Midi Libre – L.D.

Other places are also recommended to avoid the heat, such as Montcalm Park or Rimbaud Park. It all depends on the moment and the breeze.

The readings were carried out over several days, when the ground temperature at Place de la Comédie was around 40 °C. The data thus required should only be taken as an indication so that it can give a trend and not a scientific fact.