Summary
- 1. The Foulcault course
- 2. Bourdelle's works
- 3. The museums of Montauban
- - Ingres Bourdelle Museum
- - Victor Brun Museum
- - Toy Museum
- 4. Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Villenouvelle Church
- 5. A ride on the Montalbanais little train
- 6. Old Bridge
- 7. National Square
- 8. Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral
- 9. The plant garden
- 10. The Villebourbon district
- 11. Other possible activities in Montauban
- How to get to Montauban?
- - By plane
- - By train
- - By car
- Where to stay in Montauban?
You wish to stay in the Tarn-et-Garonne ? Here are the must-sees to visit in Montauban, the famous town of the department!
Among the high places of the region of Occitania, there is the city classified "Art and History". Indeed, Montauban is known to have seen the birth of many important artists of the belle époque. Thus, one of the greatest painters of the 20th century, Ingres, or the famous sculptor Bourdelle, or Gouges grew up in this urban city on the banks of the Tarn.
This medieval city, once a merchant and military town, has evolved over the years. Today, Montauban proudly displays its tumultuous past, long pointed out by royalty, and is modernising. This is why do not hesitate to make an extended stop in the town of Montauban to discover all its secrets and its indomitable historical past.
Let's see our top 10 must-sees and must-do's in Montauban.
Also read :
The 9 most beautiful villages of Occitania
The 10 must-do things to do in Toulouse
1. The Foulcault course
It's the green lung of the city. This long park has no less than five hectares and offers a shady parenthesis during your visit to Montauban. It was originally created to hold back the land that was collapsing along the Tarn. This action offers the Montalbanais a space for relaxation and a beautiful walk in the town centre.
At the far end of the park, you can see the imposing monument to the war dead of the First World War, which was created by the city's beloved painter, Bourdelle.
2. Bourdelle's works
The painter from the city of the Tarn is one of the renowned masters of the 20th century. This is why, if you visit Montauban, it is impossible not to fall by chance in the streets in front of his works.
There are eight of his sculptures that are hidden all over the city. Take a tour to meet each one of them and go back in time on a treasure hunt walk.
3. The museums of Montauban
There are many museums to visit in this historic city. Here are three of them that will hold all your attention if you go to visit Montauban.
Ingres Bourdelle Museum
It's in the old bishop's palace. This museum was created in 1820 and exhibits all the studio works of the famous Montalbanais painter, Ingres.
It is one of the most emblematic places in the city. Since its creation, it has been modernized, enlarged and even digitized. Thus, one floor is dedicated to the works of Ingres, and another to those of Bourdelle.
Victor Brun Museum
This natural history museum is named after the naturalist Victor Brun. Here, admire from the entrance the elephant of the Pinder circus or a collection of birds from all over the world. A presentation of the fauna and flora of Tarn-et-Garonne is presented through slide shows.
If you're wondering what to do in Montauban, a visit to this museum remains an excellent way to get an overview of the wonders of nature. Its numerous collections will delight any curious person from the animal world.
Toy Museum
Here, you will be able to contemplate the whole universe of toys in "mechano". The two thousand pieces on display juggle small trains, toy boats, toy soldiers, cars and caravans of the Tour de France.
A games room will also allow you to play your own theatre scenes or to practice competitions. A family rate is provided for its visit.
4. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church of Villenouvelle
It's quite a story that surrounds the church of Villenouvelle. Its neo-gothic style houses beautiful buttresses and vaults. Inside, a stained glass window composed by the Montalbanais painter Gaston Célarié commemorates the First World War.
5. A ride on a Montalbanais little train
What could be more convenient to visit Montauban and its many attractions than taking the train? Wander around this city of art and history aboard the little tourist train. The guided tour will take you through many crucial points of the city through its narrow streets.
In a little less than an hour, you will have seen the key points of the city from the outside, without needing your best walking shoes.
6. Old Bridge
This is a perfect opportunity to reach two points of interest in the city. The Old Bridge is the link between the Villebourbon district and the historic heart of the city. On its own, it retraces a large part of the city's history. Dating from the 14th century, it is a true vestige of the period, overlooking the Tarn from its impressive height.
Take the crossing and contemplate the diamond-shaped drawings on the ground, with the white and black pebbles coming from the Tarn and the Garonne. This is why it has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1919.
7. The National Square
It is in the heart of the city that you will be able to see this historic square. It has always been the place where the lively life of the city has been, but also where you can admire the harmonious facades of the city's buildings.
Each of them conceals imposingly curved buildings with inner courtyards adorned with stair towers and galleries. It is impossible to suspect it from the outside!
8. Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral
Louis XIV himself had this imposing cathedral built in the heart of Montauban. Built in white stone, this edifice was intended at the time to recall the supremacy of the Catholic royalty over the rebellious city.
Indeed, let us recall that Montauban has long been Protestant. The furniture of the cathedral honours this historical time with a canopy in the Napoleon III style, a 17th century organ and 18th century stalls.
9. The garden of plants
To visit Montauban is also to stroll in its garden of plants. Here, it is a surface of three hectares that you will be able to admire, through trees of the end of the world and coloured floral composition.
The park has become the first public theme park in the world thanks to augmented reality technology and the Magic Xperience application.
10. The Villebourbon district
This elegant district is located on the left bank of the Tarn, the river that runs through the city. It is along the quay that you will be able to see the 17th century mansions and other magnificent Art Deco architecture of the city.
This mythical district of Montauban is home to many of the city's dyeing, tile-making, flour-milling and factory buildings, reminiscent of the prosperous times when the city lived from the textile industry.
11. Other possible activities in Montauban
If you are planning a longer stay to visit Montauban, here are a few more ideas:
- A guided visit to the Heritage Centre to see a beautiful permanent exhibition
- The market on the alleys of Consul Dupuy in the shade of the plane trees every Saturday morning.
- A wellness break at the Ingréo aquatic complex
- A street art tour in the city
- Visit one of the town's eighty mansions
How to get to Montauban?
Depending on where you come to visit Montauban, different options are available to you.
By plane
Coming from the north of France, prefer an internal flight, more comfortable and fast. Montauban has its own airport, but prefer Toulouse-Blagnac! You will then have to rent a car to reach Montauban.
Don't hesitate to consult a Skyscanner flight comparator to find all the available offers at the best price.
By train
You can also go to Montauban by train. It is the second shortest way to reach your destination. The station is connected from Paris, Toulouse and Bordeaux.
By car
From Paris, the A20 motorway will take you to Montauban in a little over 6 hours. If you come from Bordeaux, the A62 will take you to your destination in 2h30. Otherwise, from Montpellier or Marseille, the A9 and then A61 motorways will take you to the capital of Tarn-et-Garonne.
Where to stay in Montauban?
To visit Montauban well, the best is to sleep in the city center or in an area very well served by transport. The districts of Beausoleil haut, of the historical center or of the Fau are the most appreciable to spend a stay in Montauban. There is a choice and very nice hotels in town. Look at all the available offers by consulting directly a hotel comparator.
Some charming Airbnb will also make the difference in your selection of accommodation in Montauban. Very nice addresses are available from fifty euros per night, with all the comfort you need.
Pack your bags now and explore Montauban!
