Description:

Montauban is one of the earliest Bastide towns in the south west of France and the centre has retained much of the original architecture and buildings, making it an interesting place to explore.  At the heart of the city is the Place Nationale and the grid pattern of streets typical of the bastide design. 

Geography

Montauban is located on the banks of the Tarn River, 50 Km north of Toulouse in the Tarn-et-Garonne department.  It is the Prefecture (capital) of the department and a substantial provincial city with a history dating back to 1144.

Tourism

Despite the unattractive urban suburbs of the city, it is worth persevering and making your way to the centre.  The original fortifications have disappeared during the numerous battles for control of the city and boulevards now stand in their place around the old city centre. 

Beyond the central area of the city there is little of interest to the tourist, but the Place Nationale is definitely worth the effort.  This large open space is enclosed on all four sides and entered through gateways in each corner.  There are shops and cafes in the arcades, giving a pleasant position to admire the bright pink stonework of the buildings and the double row of arches in the arcade.

Outside of the square, the typical bastide grid pattern of straight roads forms a bustling shopping district.  After exploring these interesting streets for a while, head down to the river Tarn and the old bridge, but on the way, stop at the Church of Saint Jacques to admire the mosaic entrance decoration and the square tower.

The 14^th century Pont Vieux is also built of the local pink stone and is 205 metres long and has remained relatively well preserved, but the original fortifications have gone.  The design of the bridge is worthy of note, as most other bridges of the time were built hump backed due to technological limitations of the age, but the Pont Vieux has been built completely flat.

Museum Ingres occupies what used to be the residence of the bishop of Montauban and contains the works of local artists, Jean Ingres and Antoine Bourdelle, and a collection of ceramics.

For more to see the National History Museum has a collection of birds, mammals, fossils and minerals and is co-located with the Folk Museum, giving a view into rural life in the area.  There is also a Resistance and Deportation Museum, dedicated to the events of the Second World War and deportation of Jews and political prisoners.

Economy

As with large areas of Tarn-et-Garonne, the economy is based on agriculture, trading produce and distribution.  There is also a light industrial sector, manufacturing parts for the aerospace industry among others.

Transport

At the junction of the A62 and A20 Autoroutes, the city is very easy to drive to, although being a fairly large city with its urban sprawl, getting to the centre will be more difficult.

By train, Montauban has its own TGV station, making access from most areas of France quick and easy.  The TGV trip from Paris, for example, would take around 4hrs 45minutes.

The city is also well served by airports.  Only thirty minutes away is the International airport of Toulouse-Blagnac served by major airlines and budget carriers.  Rodez airport is 130 Km nort-east of the city while 140 Km to the south-east, in Languedoc-Rousillon is Carcasonne airport and 130 Km to the north-west in the Dordogne is Bergerac, giving plenty of choice.

The Montauban tourist office website has more details.

Check out Guide2MidiPyrenees for Property in Midi-Pyrenees, Events, News, Classifieds, Places to Stay, Midi-Pyrenees Attractions and Business Directory.