The capital of Tarn-et-Garonne, the town of Art and History of Montauban is both welcoming and lively, and is popular for its pleasant way of life. Founded in 1144 by the Count of Toulouse, Alphonse Jourdain, it offers residents and visitors a rich heritage, in terms of both culture and buildings.
The historic heart of the fortified town, the superb Place Nationale, a square where a little market takes place every day, is surrounded by both a double row of arcades and elegant brick facades. Around the square, pleasant pedestrian streets invite fans of shopping and city walks to take a stroll around. Take a walk in Old Montauban and you'll also discover some beautiful monuments, like the Church of St. James and its splendid Toulouse-style octagonal bell tower, the 14th-century Old Bridge and its seven ogival arches over the waters of the Tarn, the Lefranc de Pompignan Mansion and its entrance door, the monument to the dead by the sculptor Bourdelle, or the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in the classical style.
Near the Old Bridge, the Ingres Bourdelle Museum based in the old 17th-century Episcopal Palace simply must be seen. Dedicated to the works of the two famous artists born in Montauban, this prestigious establishment contains remarkable collections of paintings and drawings by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, as well as sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle. The museum also offers lapidary and archaeological collections, and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
Location: Montauban, located in the heart of South West France, in the Occitanie region, is the prefecture of Tarn-et-Garonne. She is very appreciated for her "art of living" in the land of "soft adventure". The city has nearly 60,000 inhabitants according to the last census. It is 45 km from Toulouse with direct access from the Deux Mers motorway (A62), less than 5 hours from Paris by TGV and 30 minutes from Toulouse international airport.
Brief history: Created in the 12th century by the Count of Toulouse, the town of Montauban is the first of the new medieval towns of the South. From the 13th century, the city entered a prosperous period, the Old Bridge and the Saint-Jacques church were built. The Black Death and the Hundred Years War put an end to this period. From the middle of the 16th century until its surrender to the royal troops in 1629, Montauban asserted itself as a stronghold of Protestantism, alongside La Rochelle and Nîmes. Returning to the royal Catholic fold, the city becomes a real regional capital, seat of a stewardship from 1735. "Fallen" in the French Revolution, Montauban is "restored in its rights" in 1808, with the creation of the Tarn- et-Garonne, of which it becomes the prefecture. If the city missed the turn of the Industrial Revolution, it nevertheless experienced an intense cultural life in the 19th century, of which the painter Ingres and the sculptor Bourdelle were two of the most illustrious representatives.
Specialties: The Montalbanese table combines products from a varied region. Take the time to taste the apple croustades, the Jacquou, the balls of Montauban and the Montauriols respectively hazelnuts and cherries coated with chocolate.
City of art and history, Montauban is rich in architectural and artistic heritage. In the heart of the city, the Place Nationale remains the essential element of the checkerboard plan of the medieval city.
Through the alleys, discover the private mansions such as those of Lefranc de Pompignan and the Hôtel de Bar. We arrive on the Pont Vieux at the foot of the Ingres Bourdelle museum, dedicated to Montalbanese artists Ingres and Bourdelle. We have a panoramic view of the Tarn and the quays of the left bank. Let's end the walk with a cool break at the Jardin des Plantes.
Guided tours of the city (on foot), of the Ingres Bourdelle museum, themed (the cathedral, the Saint-Jacques church, the National Square, Montauban in the 19th century, Montauban over the Tarn, Montauban the protestant, sculptures by Bourdelle at Montauban...) are available. For more information, contact the Montauban Tourist Office on +33 5 63 63 60 60, or directly by email: info@montauban-tourisme.com
2® Discovering the city: Themed tours of the history of Montauban are offered all year round, accompanied by a guide lecturer from the CIAP (Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage). From June to September, enjoy rides in the little tourist train or cruises on the Tarn to discover the fauna, in particular the ornithological treasures, and the flora.
2® The Ingres Bourdelle museum: Installed in the former episcopal palace, the Ingres Bourdelle museum houses very rich collections around the two illustrious Montalbanais, the painter Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres and the sculptor Emile-Antoine Bourdelle. After a 3-year renovation, the museum offers a redesigned scenography, better accessibility, new services, allowing the restored works to shine in this architectural gem.
2® Other museums and exhibitions: The Victor Brun Natural History Museum, the Resistance and Combatant Museum, the House of the Crier, the Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage, the Media Library Memo, the Museum of the Companions of the Tour de France and the United Duties, the Museum of Toys.
2® Discover Port Canal: The river port of Montauban, a haven of peace and greenery, located a stone's throw from the city center, offers a range of leisure activities to relax or enjoy the pleasures of water: walks by bike or on foot along the greenway bike, cruises, nautical activities...
2® The Groups service of the Grand Montauban Tourist Office also offers tours through the Grand Montauban and the Tarn-et-Garonne (by reservation). Whether for the day or over several days, you will inevitably find your happiness! For more information, do not hesitate to contact the Groups Department by phone at +33 5 63 63 60 60 or by email: servicegroupe@ville-montauban.fr
The Groups Service of the Montauban Tourist Office offers tours through the Grand Montauban and the Tarn-et-Garonne (by reservation). Whether for the day or over several days, all groups are welcome!
For individuals, the Tourist Office and the heritage center offer you a program of guided tours all year round. For more information, do not hesitate to contact the Groups Department by phone at +33 5 63 63 60 60 or by email: servicegroupe@ville-montauban.fr
