Happy TravellerWelcome to Montauban, a charming commune in the Tarn-et-Garonne department of Occitania, Southern France. With a rich history dating back to 1144, Montauban is a city filled with stunning architecture, fascinating museums, and delicious local cuisine. Let’s take a closer look at what this beautiful destination has to offer.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Montauban is its reddish brick buildings, which give the town a unique and charming character. In fact, the town is known as the Ville d’art et d’histoire (City of art and history), and for good reason. The Musée Ingres, located on the site of a castle of the Counts of Toulouse, is home to the largest collection of Ingres paintings in the world, as well as sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle, another native of Montauban. Don’t miss the chance to see Jean Ingres’s masterpiece, the Vow of Louis XIII, which is housed in the cathedral.
Another must-see attraction in Montauban is the Pont Vieux, a remarkable bridge over 205 meters in length and constructed in the early 14th century. This pink brick structure was designed to resist the violent floods of the Tarn, and indeed it has successfully withstood the two terrible millennial floods of 1441 and 1930. The bridge is a straight level bridge, which is quite unusual for Medieval Europe, where lack of technological skills meant that most bridges were of the humpback type.
If you’re a fan of sports, then you’ll be pleased to know that the town is home to the rugby union club US Montauban. The team gained promotion from the Pro D2 competition for the 2006–07 Top 14 season. The whole town supports rugby, but the athletic club is also very efficient and national results have been regular since 2007. Some athletes in Montaubans athletic club are international athletes. Every year, since 2004, the Rene Arcuset cross country race has been organized in the city.
Montauban is also known for its delicious local cuisine. Be sure to try the local specialty, the fénétra, a savory cake made with spinach, chard, and bacon.
Overall, Montauban is a charming and historic city filled with fascinating museums, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, a sports fan, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Montauban has something for everyone. Come and discover this enchanting destination for yourself!
