Just inland from the Mediterranean, Montpellier is renowned for being one of the sunniest places in France.
When the 1,500 or so travelling Matildas supporter arrived earlier this week, the weather did not disappoint.
“Montpellier is a truly beautiful city – everyone is having a great time,” said Green and Gold Army director Michael Edgley, who is leading a fan group of approximately 200 around France.
Unlike many other settlements in the region, Montpellier does not have Roman roots.
It emerged as a city in the 1200s centred around a university, and has enjoyed a charmed life ever since.
In recent years Montpellier has become a tourist hotspot, thanks to its architecture, museums and local produce. It is also one of the fastest growing regions in France in terms of population.
“This area is incredible – the wine, the food, the countryside,” Edgeley continued.
The tour organiser admitted that his job was made significantly easier by the choice of host nation for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“France is a highlight full stop – there’s so much to do and see,” Edgeley said. “Everyone is having a fantastic time combining the passion of supporting the Matildas on tour with the best that France has to offer.
“If I have one more person ask me why baguettes in Australia can’t taste like this…”
The Matildas’ cheer squad has also been bolstered by the arrival of Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold and men’s national team captain Mark Milligan.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Arnold expressed his delight to be in France.
“The FFA asked if I was into coming over and I said 100%,” the ex-Sydney FC boss said. “We’re a football family.
“The Matildas and the Socceroos are linked as one. It is a privilege to be here and support the girls.”
Captain Milligan has also flown into southern France, bringing with him his two daughters.
“It’s great that Mark and his kids are coming over,” Arnold continued.
“It would be interesting to know how many other nations’ men’s captains and coaches are here to support their women’s teams.
“Despite all the negativity around, we are a football family.”
Milligan and his family will join another 16,000 fans who are expected to half-fill the Stade de la Mosson on Thursday evening.
The stadium has a storied past – it hosted matches during the 1998 men’s World Cup and the 2007 rugby union world cup.
And the Matildas could be back in these Mediterranean climes, with the winner of Group C returning to Montpellier for a round of 16 encounter with the best third placed team from groups A, B and F.
After enjoying several days in the southern French sun, traveling Australian fans will be hoping that the sun shines on the Matildas when they face Brazil on Thursday evening local time – watch live on SBS from 1.30am AEST Friday.
In Montpellier? Don’t miss:
- Musée Fabre hosts one of the best art collections in Europe. Big hitters Rubens, Delacroix, Monet and Degas are all represented.
- There are worse places to get sick – the local university has been teaching medicine since 1220.
- The south of France is wine country, and the region around Montpellier is no exception. There are numerous companies offering wine tours and tastings in the area.
- Montpellier isn’t far from the Spanish border, and that Iberian influence is on display at the delicious Empanadas Club, which serves the Spanish/Latin American equivalent of an Australian meat pie. Empanadas Club have both sweet and savoury options.
- If you’re looking to watch World Cup action, By Coss Bar isn’t the answer. But if you want a temporary escape from the tournament, the bar’s cocktails are exquisite.
- If the weather stays on form, a stroll around Jardins des Plantes – the oldest botanical garden in France – is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Kieran Pender is covering the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup for The World Game. Follow him on Twitter:
