The 10 things to do in Montauban

Do you want to stay in Tarn-et-Garonne? Here are the must-sees to visit in Montauban, famous city of the department!

Among the high places the region of Occitania , there is the city classified "Art and History". Indeed, Montauban is known for having seen many important artists of the beautiful era. Thus, one of the greatest painters of the twentieth century, Ingres, or the famous sculptor Bourdelle, or Gouges grew up in this urban city on the banks of the Tarn.

This medieval town once a merchant and military city has evolved in times. Today, Montauban proudly displays its tumultuous past, long shown by royalty, and modernizes itself. This is why don’t you hesitate to make a prolonged stop in the city of Montauban to discover all its secrets and its unmistakable historical past.

Let's see our top 10 of the must-sees in Montauban.

1. The Foulcault course

It is the green lung of the city. This long park has no less than five hectares and offers a shaded parenthesis during your visit to Montauban. At the base, the course was arranged to retain the lands that collapsed along the Tarn. This action offers the Montalbanais a relaxation area and a beautiful walk in the city centre.

At the end of the park you can see the imposing monument to the dead of the First World War that was realized by the beloved painter of the city, Bourdelle .

2. The works of Bourdelle

The painter from the city of Tarn is one of the renowned masters of the twentieth century. That is why, if you visit Montauban, it is impossible not to fall randomly from the streets in front of his works.

There are eight of his sculptures that are hidden all over the city. Take a course to meet each of them and go back to time during a walk in treasure hunt mode.

3. Museums of Montauban

There are many museums to visit in this historic city. Here are three of them who can remember all your attention if you go to Montauban.

Ingres Bourdelle Museum

It is in the old episcopal palace. This museum was created in 1820 and exhibits the entire work of the workshop of the famous painter, Ingres.

It is one of the most emblematic places in the city. Since its creation, it has been modernized, expanded and even digitalized. 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 the Pinder circus elephant from the entrance or a collection of birds from all over the world. A presentation of the fauna and flora of Tarn-et-Garonne is presented with slideshows.

If you ask that to do in Montauban, the visit of this museum remains an excellent way to make a tour of the wonders of nature. His many collections will delight anyone curious about the animal world.

Toy Museum

Here you can contemplate the whole world of toys in “mechano”. The two thousand pieces in presentation juggle between small trains, toy boats, lead 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 scheduled for his visit.

4. Saint John the Baptist Church of Villenew

It is a whole story that surrounds the church of Villenew. Its neo-gothic style houses beautiful arches and arches. Inside, a stained-glass window composed by Montalbanian painter Gaston Célarié, commemorates the First World War.

5. A tour of a small Montalbanese train

What’s more practical to visit Montauban and its many points of interest than taking the train? Explore this city of art and history aboard the small tourist train. The guided tour will make you pass through many crucial points of the city through its alleys.

In a little less than an hour, you will have seen from the outside the key points of the city, 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 connection between the Villebourbon district and the historic heart of the city. To him alone, he retraces much of the city’s history. Dating back from the 14th century, it is a real vintage vestige that overlooks the Tarn with its impressive height.

Cross and contemplate the drawings on the ground in the form of losange, with the white and black pebbles from the Tarn and the Garonne. This is why he has been registered in the Historical Monuments since 1919.

7. The National Square

This historic square is in the heart of the city. At any time, it is here that the lively life of the city is present, but also that you will admire the harmonious facades of the buildings of the city.

Each of them conceals buildings with imposing curves with internal backyards decorated with stairs and galleries. No way to suspect her from outside!

8. Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral

Louis XIV himself built this imposing cathedral in the heart of Montauban. Built in white stone, this building is intended at the time to recall the supremacy of the Catholic royalty over the rebel city.

Indeed, let us recall that Montauban was a long Protestant. The furniture of the cathedral honours this historical time with Napoleon III style bookmark, a 17th century organ or the 18th century stalls.

9. The garden of plants

Visiting Montauban is also strolling through its plant garden. Here it is a surface of three hectares that you can admire, through trees of the end of the world and colorful floral composition.

The park became the first public theme park in the world thanks to augmented reality technology and application Magic Xperience

10. Villebourbon

This elegant neighborhood is located on the left bank of the Tarn, the river crossing the city. It is along the dock that you can see the special hotels of the 17th century or other magnificent Art Deco architectures of the city.

This mythical district of Montauban houses numerous dyes, tiles, mills and factories in the city, recalling the prosperous era where 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 some additional ideas:

• A guided tour Heritage Centre to see a beautiful permanent exhibition
• The market on the aisles Consul Dupuy in the shade of the plane trees every Saturday morning
• A wellness break at the Ingréo aquatic complex
• A tour street art in the city
• Visit a special hotel among the eighty of the city

How to get to Montauban?

Depending on where you come to visit Montauban, different options are available to you.

By plane

Coming from northern France, prefer an internal flight, more comfortable and fast. Montauban has its own airport but rather prefer Toulouse-Blagnac! You will then have to rent a car to reach Montauban.

Do not hesitate to consult a flight comparison Ulysses to find all available offers at the best price.

By train

You can also get to Montauban by train. This is the second shortest way to get to destination. The station is connected from Paris, Toulouse and Bordeaux.

By car

From Paris , the highway A20 will allow you to join Montauban in just over 6 hours. If you come from Bordeaux , it is A62 which will lead you to good port in 2:30. Otherwise, since Montpellier or Marseille , the highway A9 then A61 will take you to the town of Tarn-et-Garonne

Where to stay in Montauban?

To visit Montauban, the best is to sleep in the city centre or in a very well served area by transport. The neighborhoods of Beausoleil high, the historic centre or the Fau are the most enjoyable for a stay in Montauban. There are choices and very beautiful hotels in the city. Look at all available offers by consulting directly a hotel comparison .

Some Airbnb will also make the difference in your selection of accommodations for Montauban. Very nice addresses are available from fifty euros per night, with all the comforts desired.

Now prepare your suitcases and explore Montauban!