FRENCH JOURNEY - PROGRAMME 2

MONTPELLIER - GEORGES FRECHE

In medieval times, the name Montpellier meant medicine. Its university has the oldest faculty in the world - and it’s still considered one of the best places in France to study medicine. Even its fabulous botanical gardens have a medicinal flavour. Created by Henri IV, some of its trees and plants have healing properties. As Montpellier grew in size and importance, it became renowned all over Europe for its style and gracious elegance.

But this is not a place that lives in its past. Just a stone’s throw away from the city centre lies Antigone, a huge development of low-cost social housing, neo-classical style. Antigone is flashy, controversial and absolutely typical of one of France’s most influential mayors. Socialist Georges Freche has been mayor and MP for the last 20 years. His ambition - to put Montpellier on the map. His motto - think big. Antigone was his first major urban project.

Georges Frêche:  All this is council housing.  It's prefabricated, so we could do it for the price.  Some people don't like neo-classicism.  It's a matter of choice.  In Montpellier 70% of people like it - 40% really do like it, and 30% because of me  - it was political.

Before Georges Freche, Montpellier was a charming, rather provincial place. Now its France’s eighth biggest city. Yet, for all his big thinking and big talking, some of Georges Freche’s ideas have a more pedestrian root. Pedestrianise is exactly what he has done to the centre of Montpellier - creating one of the largest car-free urban spaces in Europe.

And what better to complement car-free zones than better public transport? Another Georges Freche special - a brand new tramway to speed Montpellier into the 21st century. Freche is a clever salesman, marketing his ideas long before they happen. Take his latest venture. Not content with putting Montpellier on the map, he now wants to move it - down to the sea! His Port Marianne project will develop housing and leisure areas all the way down to the coast.

Georges Frêche:  We are 6km from the sea.  Antigone has extended the town centre down to the river Lesse,  the coastal river Port Marianne extends Antigone and the town to the sea.

So what’s it like living in such a rapidly changing city?

Woman 1:  It's difficult because of the building work but in a few years' time it's going to be a fantastic town. 

Woman 2:  The idea of decentralising the town centre…I don't altogether agree with.  I think there are lots of things which are a shame, in Montpellier.

Man:  I've nothing against the man, but against the administration
of Montpellier I think they see things on too large a scale.

Woman 3:  I hardly know him, but he's done some interesting things even if you criticise him a bit for his megalomania.  Maybe you have to be a megalomaniac to succeed.

Georges Frêche:  A mayor has to think big.  As for me, I'm bold and wise Megalo, in Greek, means big, a big project.  I'm running a big town,  so there have to be big projects.  We want shows, a beautiful town, outdoor restaurants.  I've tried to turn it into a Mediterranean town.  I think we've given this town a certain grace.

Copyright BBC 2000