The small town of Montmorillon is towards the west of the Vienne department (which is itself in the western Poitou-Charentes region), in the gently rolling countryside about 45 kilometres east of Poitiers. Montmorillon is now classed as a 'Town of Art and History' to reflect its focus on preserving its historical heritage.
It is the centre of the historic town along the banks of the Gartempe river where the town is most attractive and where your visit will be centred.
Exploring Montmorillon
The Montmorillon Tourist Office have useful guides that suggest possible routes to best explore all the places of interest which we suggest you ask for before starting to explore (you can download the most popular route from Montmorillon on foot)
The first site you will see here is the old bridge across the river, dating in part from the 15th century. Of the three arches that made up the original bridge only the central one now remains, with the outer two having been rebuilt in a more modern style in the 19th century.
Rather unfortunate, but the remaining section is quite monumental and makes the stretch of river here very attractive, and there are very pretty views in both directions from the bridge itself. Close to the bridge you can also take a stroll around the nicely maintained gardens in Place Medina del Campo.
The old town of Montmorillon extends to both sides of the river so be sure to explore both! The best views are from the left bank, with nice views across the river and bridge to the town with the Church of Notre-Dame on the hill behind. Note also the curious tower built on a rocky outcrop that you can see from here. Built on the site of an ancient castle, the tower overlooks the town and has a large statue of the Virgin on top.
Among the sites here there are several substantial townhouses of interest, typically dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. These are not open to the public but can be admired from outside. The Hotel de Moussac is the most impressive among them.
Another grand building is the 15th century Vieux Palais on the banks of the river. It is easily recognisable by the round tower on one side. Unfortunately the Vieux Palais is not often open to the public so we can't tell you what is like inside!
There are several churches of interest in Montmorillon including:
- the Church of Notre-Dame (11th - 14th century with more recent alterations), which is not remarkable from the outside but the inside is especially notable for the 12th century fresco
- in the half-dome of the Crypt of Saint Catherine portraying the coronation of Catherine of Alexandria and other artworks
- the Church of Saint-Martial (11th century but very largely rebuilt at the end of the 19th century), with its tall multi-tiered tower and notable for its stained glass windows
- the Chapel of Saint-Laurent which has an attractive roman style stone entrance and a stone frieze above it that shows scenes from the life of Jesus.
One of our favourite monuments in Montmorillon is much smaller and simpler, and is a small chapel dating from the 11th century called the 'Octogone de Montmorillon'. As well as its unusual eight-sided shape, the chapel has remained much of its medieval character despite renovations in the 17th, 18th and also the 20th century.
Features of the chapel include inset stone arches and a large number of medieval stone sculptures both inside and outside the chapel, which are quite evocative although not in the best condition. The campanile on the top is a relatively recent addition.
Note: eight sided cemetery chapels and baptism chapels were relatively common in early Christianity, since eight represented the seven days of creation and the day of eternal rest that followed.
The Chapel of Saint-Laurent and the Octagone are both part of the Maison-Dieu, a medieval monastery-hospital complex that also includes several other of the early monastery buildings such as a 17th century barn with impressive carpentry work and a curious building called the chauffoir - this was the only part of the complex that was heated and allowed pilgrims to escape from the cold for a while. The terraced gardens of the Maison-Dieu are also pleasant and have nice views across the town.
Note: photos by martpan are copyright
Montmorillon - City of Books and Writing (Cité de l’Ecrit et des Métiers du Livre)
During the last few years Montmorillon has gained a reputation as being a town that attracts book enthusiasts, and as you explore the old town you can hardly miss the large number of bookshops and artisan studios for related topics such as calligraphy. These sometimes also hold interesting exhibitions - we saw one about early printing techniques - and workshops for those who would like to learn more about the trades involved.
Attractions nearby
Just a few kilometres south-east from Montmorillon, Lalande Castle has a lot in common with the castles we more often associate with the Loire Valley: originally a medieval defensive castle, it was transformed in the renaissance period to become a castle that was comfortable for living in, and surrounded by extensive parkland. The castle is only open to visitors in July and the first half of August.
Among the most interesting places to visit nearby is the abbey at Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe to the north of Montmorillon.
You can find more travel ideas in the Vienne guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
Arrange a visit to Montmorillon
Hotels in Montmorillon
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Map of Montmorillon and places nearby
Visit near Montmorillon with France This Way reviews
Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe
The highlight here is of course the Abbey of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, certainly the best example of roman style architecture anywhere in Poitou-Charentes
Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe guide
Chauvigny
We especially enjoyed exploring the castles along the hilltop when visiting Chauvigny
Chauvigny guide
Le-Dorat
In the small town of Le Dorat you will enjoy exploring the old town and visiting the Collegiale Church of Saint-Pierre
Le-Dorat guide
Angles-sur-l'Anglin
The pretty village of Angles sur l'Anglin and the river setting make this one of our favourite Vienne villages
Angles-sur-l'Anglin guide
Nouaille-Maupertuis
Visit Nouaille-Maupertuis to see the substantial Abbey of Saint Junien
Nouaille-Maupertuis guide
Bellac
The small market town of Bellac has some medieval houses of interest, and a picturesque bridge across the river
Bellac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vienne
Tourist classifications for Montmorillon
Montmorillon is classified as a listed town of Art and History
Address: Montmorillon, Poitou-Charentes, 86500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.4269, longitude 0.8717
Plan your visit to Montmorillon, Vienne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de Notre-Dame (Montmorillon): religious monument
- Abbaye de Saint Savin sur Gartempe (Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe): religious monument (15 km)
- Eglise de Saint Gervais et Saint Protais (Civaux): religious monument (16 km)
- Chauvigny: recommended detour (23 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chauvigny): religious monument (23 km)
- Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe Abbey: heritage site (29 km)
- Angles-sur-l'Anglin: most beautiful village (30 km)
- Touffou: remarkable garden (30 km)
- Eglise d'Usson de Poitou (Usson-du-Poitou): religious monument (31 km)
- Abbaye de la Réau (Saint-Martin-l'Ars): religious monument (36 km)
- Eglise de Saint Maurice (Saint-Maurice-la-Clouere): religious monument (36 km)
- Abbaye de Nouaillé-Mauperthuis (Nouaille-Maupertuis): religious monument (36 km)
Market days in Montmorillon, France
Regular market(s) are held in Montmorillon each Wednesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Montmorillon (Francais)