About Montpellier

Venue & Access

Montpellier welcomed ECASIA 2017 delegates to a vibrant Mediterranean setting, easily reached by air, rail, and road.

Located in southern France, Montpellier is served by Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport with connections to major European hubs. The city's TGV station links directly to Paris in under four hours, and the A9 motorway provides convenient road access from across the region. The conference venue was situated within easy reach of the historic city centre, with tram and bus services connecting all key locations.

Montpellier provided an ideal backdrop for the European Conference on Applications of Surface and Interface Analysis, blending historic charm with modern accessibility. Delegates from across Europe and beyond gathered in this Mediterranean city, drawn not only by the scientific programme but also by the opportunity to experience a destination rich in culture and natural beauty. The city's compact historic core, with its narrow streets and elegant architecture, offered a welcoming atmosphere for informal discussions and networking. The conference setting encouraged the exchange of ideas on surface and interface analysis techniques, from XPS and SIMS to newer emerging methods, all within an environment that balanced professional engagement with the relaxed rhythm of southern French life.

The conference venue was selected for its convenience and connectivity, situated within easy reach of Montpellier's key transport links. Attendees arriving by air landed at the regional airport, which offered connections to numerous European destinations, while those travelling by rail appreciated the high-speed TGV service that linked Montpellier to Paris and other major cities in just a few hours. The venue itself provided modern facilities suited to the technical demands of the conference, including spaces for plenary lectures, parallel sessions, and the extensive poster exhibition. This careful attention to logistics ensured that participants could focus fully on the scientific content and collaborative opportunities that define the ECASIA conference series.

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference programme made the most of Montpellier's Mediterranean setting to foster community among surface and interface analysis researchers. Social events and the conference dinner allowed attendees to connect in a relaxed atmosphere, strengthening the collaborative spirit that has made ECASIA a leading European forum in the field. The city's mild climate and pedestrian-friendly layout encouraged exploration between sessions, with many delegates discovering local markets, cafes, and cultural landmarks. These informal interactions often proved as valuable as the formal presentations, creating lasting professional relationships and sparking new directions for research in surface and interface analysis applications across materials science, chemistry, and engineering.

Sightseeing

Delegates discovered a city rich in history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.

Accommodation

A range of accommodation options was available to suit different budgets and preferences.

Montpellier offered everything from boutique hotels in the historic centre to modern business hotels near the conference venue and the Corum. Many delegates chose lodging within walking distance of the tram lines, ensuring quick and easy access to both the scientific programme and the city's social highlights. Early booking was recommended given the popularity of the September season.