Church of Saint Anne & Carre Saint Anne Gallery, Montpellier

The Church of Saint Anne, one of Montpellier's most striking landmarks, captivates with its towering 68-meter steeple, making it the tallest edifice in the city. Built between 1866 and 1869 by architect Jules Cassan, who also designed the Saint Roch Church, this neo-Gothic marvel stands on the site of a former 12th-century church. Its ornate façade and impressive height make it a visible point of reference across the city's skyline.

Although inaugurated relatively recently in 1869, the church was deconsecrated in the 1980s and has since taken on a new life as a contemporary art space known as the Carré Sainte Anne Gallery. Transformed in 2011 into a premier venue for modern artistic expression, the gallery now hosts an array of exhibitions featuring contemporary art from both local and international artists. Over the years, the space has exhibited works by renowned artists such as Desgrandchamps, Garouste, and Di Rosa, among others.

Located in the oldest square of Montpellier, Place Sainte Anne, the gallery is surrounded by charming medieval buildings and offers a Bohemian atmosphere perfect for strolling and discovering art. The square itself is a hub of life, with numerous terraces, cafés, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. In the summer, the open-air music festival "Nuits de Sainte Anne" brings additional vibrancy to this already lively area.

The juxtaposition of the church's stunning neo-Gothic exterior and its cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions inside creates a dynamic contrast, reflecting the blend of antiquity and modernity that characterizes Montpellier today. With its diverse and avant-garde artistic programming, Carré Sainte Anne has established itself as a vital cultural venue in the region.