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Montauban

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 town does have quite a bit of urban sprawl, which perhaps doesn't create the best impression on arrival - but be sure to continue, for the town centre is very impressive!

The highlight of the town is at the centre of the original bastide - the Place Nationale. Surrounded by grand pink houses, in the red-brick that is common to the region, and set above fine arcades, it is a very attractive central square. It was largely rebuilt in the 17th century after a fire. The arcades of are an unusual 'double' construction - one set of arcades near the house/shop fronts and another closer to the square.

Complete on all four sides, this central square in Montauban is one of the most impressive to be seen in all of the bastide towns of south-west France.

Be sure to take refreshments in one of the cafes that line the square, then wander around the surrounding streets a little, and past the Church of Saint Jacques - an attractive 13th century church with a square tower and an impressive mosaic entrance. Following the traditional grid pattern of a bastide town, the straight streets of the town centre now form a lively shopping centre, with lots of interesting features and buildings to discover.

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'!

The town 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: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Tourist Classifications for Montauban

- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)

Places to visit near Montauban

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Montauban.

Some places to visit within 30 km of Montauban are shown below (if found).

Lauzerte Most beautiful village at 35 km

See also Montauban (version Francais)

Airports near Montauban

Bergerac airport at 127 km Carcassonne airport at 138 km Rodez airport at 131 km Toulouse airport at 44 km

Photos of Montauban - click a photo to see larger version