Montfrin is a town of Gard, in Occitan region, 22 km northeast of Nimes.
Its territory of 15 square kilometers is crossed from north to south through the course of the Gardon (or Gard) that flows into the Rhone few kilometers downstream of the town.
Already occupied in ancient times by the Phoenicians and the Romans, Montfrin develops in the Middle Ages as a castrum then via the implementation of a Commandery of Knights Templar and Hospitaller of St. John.
The heart of the village has preserved important testimonies.
A renowned for its spa time, the small city is under the old regime dominated by a castle embellished in the seventeenth and now become an important wine and olive sector.
The charm of the village, its heritage, its bucolic countryside around the Gardon river banks and expanded leisure offer proposed Montfrin, which currently has more than 3,200 inhabitants, make it a point of interest, close to major sites tourist (Pont du Gard, Nimes and the Camargue).
The heritage jewel of the town is located northeast of the historic town: it is Montfrin Castle, built in different stages, now with four main buildings around a courtyard and a dungeon thirteenth with Roman foundations. Embellished in the seventeenth century (the gardens are at the same time designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansard), restored in the nineteenth, the beautiful estate was bought in 1925 by the writer and journalist Robert Servan-Schreiber then goes to his daughter, Marie-Claire Mendes-France. Still owned by his heirs, the building, classified, which had in the past famous guests (Louis XIII, Richelieu and Louis XIV) is now the showcase of a farm producing wine and organic olive oil. Information at +33 4 66 57 51 52.
Other sites inscribed mark the town and especially its medieval center, as Calvières hotel, a mansion with a beautiful Renaissance facade preserved (XVI) and the Church of Our Lady of Malpas (twelfth, rebuilt XIV): built by the Templars, there nave with three arched spans of warheads. The portal is also made of a molded archivolt and a headband adorned with leaves the cuts at the base of the eardrum. It contains a seated Virgin with the Child on her knee. To his right are represented the Magi. Inside, the arches of the nave fall on carved capitals. In the fourteenth century, two side chapels were built, a high tower in northwest corner of the building. Square base, it is covered with a stone spire decorated brackets. The clock has been set however in 1901. The interior vault finally rests on cul lamp with figures.
Also included in the Inventory, the remains of the Templar Commandery whose elements have been for centuries encompassed new buildings (old cemetery, village hall).
Traces of the ancient walls of the old houses have preserved some Middle items Age dating including the period when the city was known for its water (the Gardon runs along the old center) number of cross paths, fountains, a chapel will mark even a walk in the very center marked by its rich history and picturesque streets and squares.
Note that tours of the old village are proposed in season by the local association of heritage friends. Information at +33 4 66 57 60 44.
In terms of sports, visitors have access to many great amenities (city stadium, skate park, bike trail cross, fitness trail along the Gardon, bowling alleys). The town also has arenas are planned in the summer of Camargue races. As for tennis fans, they can book a court from the local club +33 4 66 57 65 01.
Side hikes, the banks of the Gardon, the Baume site with its wall the largest bees in France or wineries where tastings are always possible can result in pleasant journey, punctuated more by outstanding panoramas the old town or the surrounding countryside. Routes may lead to the Rhone and the Camargue Beaucaire even up, further south. Maps and information +33 4 66 59 26 57.
Finally, note that the town, including the library, organizes regular meetings and art exhibitions. Information at +33 4 66 57 61 11.
Every Tuesday morning on the Cours Jean Jaurès, the market to discover local products of the region in a colorful atmosphere, fragrant and friendly.
On July 14, on the occasion of the national holiday, firework display from the banks of the Gardon.
The first weekend of August, votive festival over several days with traditional bull races, concerts and fun events.
