Local arts enthusiast, Darren, takes us on a gentle wander through Cheltenham’s beautiful Montpellier district - a place where Regency elegance, independent galleries and café culture come together. In this guest blog, he explores what makes the area such a joy for art lovers, discovering inspiring exhibitions, meeting artists and enjoying the simple pleasure of strolling between galleries. If you’re looking for creativity, conversation and perhaps even a piece of art to take home, Montpellier is the perfect place to start.
As I head out of town, I approach Montpellier — to me, the jewel in Cheltenham’s crown. My pace changes from a brisk walk to a more leisurely one. It's one of those parts of Cheltenham where the surroundings encourage a more relaxed way of moving through the day. The Regency buildings, the open gardens and the wide pavements give the area a sense of space, and it feels like a place where you can wander without quite knowing what you might find.
Lately, my walks here have had a quiet purpose. I have been looking for artwork for my home.
Not in the sense of having a precise idea of what I want. More the hope that somewhere along the way I might come across a painting or even a sculpture that simply feels right — something I might fall in love with.
Montpellier turns out to be just the place for that sort of search. The ambience of the location matches the warming sun and early hints of spring — inviting and full of promise.
Park Gallery, just around the corner from the Queens Hotel on Montpellier Avenue, is often the first place where I pause to take a look. I would challenge anyone to pass the constantly changing window display without taking a moment or two to admire the artwork. Even standing outside, it is enough to make me wonder what the rest of the gallery holds. This time, the temptation is too great, and so I step inside, excited to discover what lies within.
I don’t feel rushed; instead, I feel relaxed and welcomed. The eclectic mix of art is a joy to be amongst. Its layout — art across three floors — only enhances that sense of anticipation.
I believe that when you are looking for artwork for your home, seeing it in person makes such a difference. A painting can feel entirely different when you stand in front of it. The colour has depth, the brushwork becomes visible, and the scale begins to suggest how it might sit on a wall at home.
Sometimes a piece catches my attention immediately. Other times it is something I notice only as I leave the room and glance back once more. Those are often the works I find myself thinking about later.
And so it is this time. I make a mental note of what has caught my eye and leave the gallery. My walk continues almost naturally through the rest of Montpellier.
Crossing the road beside John Gordon’s, I pass the iconic caryatids and people sitting outside, sipping a drink and enjoying a moment of time-out from a busy week. I make my way on to Montpellier Street.
This is such a beautiful road — wide, tree-lined and welcoming and perfect for some refreshment ‘à la terrace’ which is definitely on my to-do list today. I have the time, and this ‘Art in Montpellier’ experience is certainly not going to be rushed — especially not today. And this beautiful street caters perfectly for that need.
I cross the road and stroll up towards the Gloucestershire Guild. They must put glue on the pavement because I cannot help but stop in my tracks when I pass by! The craftsmanship on display always draws me in. What normally is meant to be a brief visit has a habit of becoming rather longer than planned. This time is no different. Knowing that my mother’s birthday is only two weeks away, I take the opportunity to buy something special. It isn’t easy to decide what to get — I like it all! Eventually, happy with my purchase, I head back out.
The Sixteen Gallery is next on my route. This is one of three venues I’m planning to visit today that provide rentable spaces for artists. What I love about these galleries is that you never quite know what you might find.
Because artists often steward their own exhibitions here, I have sometimes had the pleasure of chatting with the artists themselves. I find it fascinating speaking with the people who created the work on the walls. Asking a simple question about a painting can lead to learning where it was painted or how the idea first developed.
The beauty of Montpellier — and my quest for art — is that everything lends itself to an experience rather than a task. The galleries are close enough together that visiting several becomes part of the natural rhythm of being here. The fact that within barely a quarter of a mile there are six art establishments is a real pull.
My leisurely pace is perfectly accommodated by Spring Gallery, which is next on my list — and almost literally next door.
Leaving Sixteen, I briefly pause for a moment at the window of Spring Gallery before stepping inside. The programme here changes frequently, and each exhibition brings a different collection of work into the space. It might be contemporary landscapes one week and abstract art the next. I like the sense that the gallery never feels quite the same from one visit to another. This week’s exhibition turns out to be dedicated to some rather stunning figurative pieces. Once again, I find myself making mental notes of the pieces that have caught my eye.
Now for that coffee break…
After paying the bill and standing up to leave, I step away from the cluster of artist-led exhibitions and head up towards Paragon— the second independently curated gallery alongside Park.
Refreshed by coffee and cake (did I mention the cake?), I immerse myself in Paragon’s spacious and elegant gallery. I take my time admiring some remarkable sculptures before indulging myself in the paintings. The gallery space allows my mind to breathe and absorb the wonderful work on the walls.
Mental notes updated.
I must admit that being here in Montpellier — away from the high street and among independent shops, cafés and galleries — creates a real sense of connection with people. I have thoroughly enjoyed my walk so far, from Park Gallery through to the Guild, Sixteen and Spring.
I have one more place to visit.
As I leave Paragon, the sun breaks once more from the clouds and mixes with patches of blue sky. I take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. With the warmth brushing my face, the final venue feels perfectly timed.
Warm sunshine and open green spaces are a tonic for anyone, and Gardens Gallery, overlooking Montpellier Gardens, is an ideal place to complete the day’s exploration.
I wander past the top of Montpellier, cross the road in front of The Ivy, and enter the gardens. The mock-Tudor frontage of Gardens Gallery stands alongside the bandstand opposite, one of the well-known landmarks in this area.
This is the third rentable exhibition space, and inside I see that this time it is not a solo exhibition but a cooperative of local artists. I climb the steps and enter. A friendly greeting welcomes me in, and I’m immediately glad I stopped.
It turns out to be a wonderful exhibition to finish the day. I find myself surprised and delighted by some styles that I would not normally expect to gravitate towards — but that is part of the charm of Montpellier’s eclectic mix of art. I even spot another piece to add to my growing mental list of possibilities.
Exiting, I descend the steps and notice a vacant bench. I sit down, take a deep breath again, and look across the mature trees while listening to the gentle chatter of people nearby. It is a good moment to pause and think about everything I have seen.
I came to Montpellier hoping to find a piece of art for my home, and the walk has certainly not disappointed.
And perhaps that is why Montpellier works so well for art lovers like me. The galleries sit naturally within the streets, waiting to be discovered as part of an ordinary walk, yet together forming part of a much richer experience.
All that is really required is a little time, a bit of curiosity, a willingness to step inside, and the thought that somewhere along the way there might be a piece of art waiting for its place on your wall.
Now, how am I going to decide…?
If you’d like to explore these creative spaces for yourself, why not follow the Montpellier Art Galleries Trail and discover the artists, galleries and exhibitions that make this corner of Cheltenham such a delight for art lovers.