Recap of the 19th National City Center Conference in Montpellier

📅 May 21 & 22, 2025 | Montpellier

Over 700 participants gathered in Montpellier to attend the 19th National City Center Conference, organized by Centre-Ville en Mouvement in partnership with the City of Montpellier and Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.

Held under the theme “City Center : Beautify, Move, Refresh, Shine”, this edition featured inspiring presentations, constructive exchanges, and immersive visits, highlighting the strong commitment of local and national stakeholders to dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable city centers.

Highlights from Montpellier

  • Plenary sessions on ecological transitions, land and energy sobriety, new consumption models, and the key role of culture and sports in enhancing city center attractiveness.
  • Main theme: “Using legislation to preserve commercial diversity”
  • Focus on the role of revitalization real estate funds, urban logistics, new mobility, and the place of nature in the city, including a remarkable presentation by visionary architect Luc Schuiten.
  • Immersive field visits in Montpellier showcasing concrete examples of mixed-use urban planning and revitalization.
  • Dynamic 7-minute pitches from elected officials and experts from French cities (Carcassonne, Sceaux, etc.) presenting innovative projects.
  • Presentation of the 10th City Center and Commerce Barometer (CSA/Clear Channel) revealing that 90% of French people see mayors and their teams as key actors in modernizing city centers
  • A convivial evening concluded the two-day event, celebrating the local flavors and talents of Montpellier.

Thank you to all participants for their commitment and to Montpellier for its exceptional hospitality !


Save the Date : European City Center Conference in Paris

📅 November 6 & 7, 2025 | Maison de la Chimie, Paris

Following this success, Centre-Ville en Mouvement invites you to the next step at the European level : the European City Center Conference, taking place on November 6 and 7, 2025 at the Maison de la Chimie in Paris.

This event will bring together European stakeholders, elected officials, experts, and partners to discuss common challenges in revitalizing city centers, focusing on:

  • Ecological transitions and sustainable mobility,
  • Urban and economic innovation,
  • The role of culture and public space animation in attractiveness,
  • Concrete case studies from medium-sized cities and European metropolitan areas.

The program includes conferences, panel discussions, pitches, and immersive visits in the heart of Paris.

📌 Save the date now and join us to envision the future of European city centers !


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*This event is not organized by the French Government. However we have been allowed by the French Government to use the emblem of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.