Montauban, Midi-Pyrenees guide de voyage

Visitez Montauban gites : hotels : location des voitures | Decouvrir Midi-Pyrenees

Montauban is found about 50 kilometres north of Toulouse in the Tarn et Garonne department.

Montauban, founded in 1144 by the Count of Toulouse on the banks of the Tarn River, is made from the attractive pink stone found in the region, like its great southern cousin Toulouse.

The highlight of the town is right at the centre of the original bastide - the Place Nationale. Surrounded by grand pink houses, set above fine arcades, it is really a very attractive central square. It was largely rebuilt in the 17th century after a fire.

After you have oohed and aahed enough, and taken refreshments in one of the cafes in the square, and wandered around the surrounding streets a little, set off past the Church of Saint Jacques - an attractive 13th century church with a square tower.

Keep going until you reach the river to see the lovely old bridge - and old it is, having being built around 1303-1335, much older than most 'old bridges'!

Beyond the boulevards that surround the central old town Montauban is less interesting for visitors.

You can also visit the Museum Ingres to see the works of Ingres and another local artist called Bourdelle. The museum is found in the palace built on the site of the palace that was occupied by the Black Prince during the Hundred Years War, and you can see remains of the original building in the basement of the Museum.

Montauban: tourisme, carte, guide de voyage et gites