The count of Toulouse ordered the creation of the town of Montauban in 1144. Its initial role was to defend the roads to Toulouse, and the Tarn. That’s why it is so strategically located, on the Tarn near the Lot, the Gers and L’Aveyron. It was built along a regular plan, with perpendicular streets and a town square right in the centre. Initially, it was called la Place du Marché, and later la Place Nationale. Right from the start, it was the heart of the city. Declarations from the authorities were read aloud to the town inhabitants there. It is still a beautifully preserved square, with brick houses all round it.

Montauban immediately attracted a large population due to fiscal incentives implemented by the count of Toulouse. In the 14th century, the commerce in the town began an era of great prosperity. Goods were exported far and wide. After 24 years of construction, the last stone was finally laid on the bridge across the Tarn (known as the old bridge or Vieux Pont), in 1335. Constructed of brick and stone, it has seven big gothic arches. The treaty of Brétigny in 1360 left Montauban to the English and to the terrible Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince. It became an English fortress, and thus the enemy of French Toulouse, the town that it had been intended to protect.

After the war, things returned to normal again. The reforms had a positive impact on the businesses in Montauban. The new believers chased the Catholics out of town from 1561 onwards, and pillaged all the churches apart from the Saint-Jacques church, dedicated to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, and thus saved from their fury. To this day, it remains a beautiful gothic church, with chapels flanking the nave.

Henri de Navarre, Protestant Leader, prior to becoming king of France, fortified the town. Montauban became a military town, and the Edict of Nantes proclaimed it “a safe Protestant haven”.

Following the death of Henry IV, his son Louis XIII ordered Richelieu to reform Montauban to the Catholic and Christian faith. Like in La Rochelle a few years previously, he triumphed in Montauban. The walls were torn down again.

Montauban rapidly recovered from its war wounds, and became so important commercially that in the 19th century, Napoleon created the département of Tarn-et-Garonne by cutting up several other départements.

At this time, the town was the birthplace of the famous painter, Ingres. A beautiful museum is dedicated to him today in the 17th century Episcopal Palace, it contains medieval and modern works.

Information: +33 (0) 5 63221291.

The sculptor Bourdelle also left his own imprint on the town, in the form of several sculptures, one of which is in front of the tourist office.

Montauban today is a pleasant mid-sized administrative centre. Classified as a town of Historic and artistic importance, it is a great place to stroll round. Try the local delicacy, Le Montauriaol, a cherry soaked in Armagnac and coated in chocolate. Enjoy!


CARTES