Montreal is a small medieval village situated in the Yonne department of Burgundy, a few kilometres to the north-east of Avallon.
Explore Montreal
France This Way review: it doesn't take very long to explore Montreal, and facilities are limited, but it is an attractive village that is well worth visiting.
Note: the main village is pedestrianised (vehicle access to the village is for residents only) so park opposite the small cafe (Au Quinze) on the road that passes through the village. Parking is free.
The centre of historic Montreal village is entered through an imposing gateway with several arches through the fortified walls. This gateway is called the Porte d'en Bas (Lower Gate).
Inside the ramparts there are several streets of old houses winding up the hill and many of the houses have small signposts explaining their original function in the village (post office, mattress maker etc.) which adds to the interest of the village and helps set it in a historical context.
To see the most interesting houses simply follow 'Grande Rue' through Montreal. Several of the houses in the village have colourful gardens.
Halfway through the village you pass from the 'lower town' to the 'upper town'. Originally another gateway stood here, which is no longer standing, but you can still see the walls of the defensive structure and the base of a tower set in the wall.
Towards the upper end of Montreal there is a second gate through the ramparts called the Porte d'en Haut (Upper Gate). At the top of the hill beyond this gate is a picturesque church and cemetery, next to a belvedere (viewpoint) with views across the countryside.
The main church in Montréal is the Collegiale Notre-Dame, built in the 12th century and in a style combining both roman and gothic elements. Note in particular the decorative stonework around the entrance then go into the church to see the intricately carved 16th century stalls.
The church was renovated in the 19th century under the guidance of the architect Viollet-le-Duc, a renowned French architect well known for his controversial renovations of historical monuments, such as the town of Carcassonne.
A medieval castle originally stood next to the church but has long since disappeared. From here you can follow a walk around the 14th century fortifications that surround Montreal, as well as a number of paths that set off into the countryside.
Attractions nearby
There are several very attractive towns and villages in this region. The two highlights I would consider unmissable if you are in this part of Burgundy are the village at Noyers-sur-Serein, which is a 'classified most beautiful village' to the north of Montreal, and Fontenay Abbey to the east, and one of the loveliest abbeys in France.
You can find more travel ideas in the Yonne guide and the Burgundy guide.
Photos of Montreal
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Map of Montreal and places nearby
Visit near Montreal with France This Way reviews
Avallon
Avallon is a very pleasant town to explore with some very imposing medieval buildings, and the countryside of the Morvan Regional Park is very close by
Avallon guide
Noyers-sur-Serein
The half-timbered houses and riverside setting make Noyers-sur-Serein one of our favourite small towns in this region
Noyers-sur-Serein guide
Semur-en-Auxois
One of the prettiest of the Burgundy villages, Semur-en-Auxois has a very lively and extensive historic centre and a pretty riverside setting
Semur-en-Auxois guide
Vézelay basilica
The basilica in Vézelay is a monumental example of roman style architecture, with 12th century carvings among its highlights
Vézelay basilica guide
Vezelay
Even if it didn't have one of the most famous abbeys in France, Vezelay village would attract a great deal of visitors
Vezelay guide
Montbard
A typical regional town, we suggest you take a stroll around the Parc Buffon in Montbard
Montbard guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Yonne
Address: Montréal, Guillon, Avallon, Burgundy, 89420, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.5431, longitude 4.03667
Plan your visit to Montreal, Yonne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardin du moulin de Athie: remarkable garden (17 km)
- Noyers-sur-Serein: most beautiful village (17 km)
- Asquins église St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (22 km)
- Vézelay basilica St Madeleine (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (23 km)
- Vezelay: heritage site (23 km)
- Abbaye de Fontenay (Montbard): religious monument (24 km)
- Potager du château de Lantilly: remarkable garden (26 km)
- Abbaye de Fontenay: remarkable garden (29 km)
- Fontenay Abbey: heritage site (29 km)
- Morvan: regional natural parc (30 km)
- Parc de Saint-Léger: remarkable garden (31 km)
- Basilique de Saint Andoche (Saulieu): religious monument (33 km)
The French version of this page is at Montreal (Francais)