Montreal-du-Gers
Visit Montreal-du-Gers (Midi-Pyrenees, France)
Montreal-du-Gers, one of the 'most beautiful villages of France', is at the northern limit of the Gers department, 10 kilometres west of Condom and 5 kilometres west of Larressingle. It is a traditional bastide town of south-west France, founded (as were many) by Alphonse de Poitiers. A roman settlement had previously stood in the same location.
Explore Montreal-du-Gers
The bastide towns were the new towns of the 13th century, and usually have a central square surrounded by arcades (sheltered edges, accessed by large stone arches). The streets in these towns radiate from the centre and are straight, and carefully planned to give equal space to each house.
It is this central square that is the centre of your visit to the quiet town of Montreal-du-Gers, followed by a stroll along the quiet side streets to admire the medieval and half-timbered houses. The town hall that dominates the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville dates from the 18th century.
The 13th century Church of Sainte-Marie in Montreal-du-Gers, as in most bastide towns, is found adjacent to the central square. You can admire it from the square as you take a rest at one of the cafes in the square, then take a look at the carved stonework around the doorway before entering the church to see the painted capital stones.
Below the village there is a flight of steps that lead to the gently flowing river Auzoue.
Attractions nearby
Montreal-du-Gers is on the Le Puy en Velay to Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage path, and has the unusual distinction that we actually saw a couple of heavily laden 'pilgrims' making their way through the village. Visit the tourist office to find out more about the path and other walks in the region.
The Roman Villa and Museum of Seviac, dating from the 4th century and having a large number of intact mosaic floors, was once one of the most luxurious villas in the region, and can now be visited near Montreal-du-Gers.
The very lovely medieval fortified 'city' of Larressingle and the village of Fourcés are also close by and, like Montreal-du-Gers itself, both are classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
Photos taken within 10 km
Tourist classifications for Montreal-du-Gers
Montreal-du-Gers is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Montréal, Condom, Gers, Midi-Pyrenees, 32250 || GPS: latitude 43.949, longitude 0.2006
Map of Montreal-du-Gers & places nearby
Highlights close by
Fources 5km
Larressingle 9km
Poudenas 11km
Villeneuve de Mezin 12km
See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Montreal-du-Gers.
See Midi-Pyrenees and Gers (the region and department for Montreal-du-Gers) for more travel ideas...
Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Montreal-du-Gers, France
- Fources - most beautiful village (5km)
- Beaumont sur l'Osee pont d'Artigues (monuments on French pilgrim routes) - heritage site (9km)
- Larressingle - most beautiful village (9km)
- Blaziert - ville fleurie 4* (22km)
- Nerac - secteur sauvegarde (23km)
- La Romieu Collegiale St Pierre (monuments on French pilgrim routes) - heritage site (24km)
- Jardin et arboretum de Coursiana - remarkable garden (24km)
- Palmeraie du Sarthou - remarkable garden (29km)
- Lectoure - recommended detour (34km)
- Walibi Aquitaine - theme park (35km)
The French version of this page is at Montreal-du-Gers (Francais)
- No comments found
Comments