Montauban is often called 'la petite Toulouse' maintaining the same rose colour of the brick buildings. When you walk through Montauban, it conjures the ambiance of a medieval fortress.
It's no surprise, as the town's historical roots lie in its bastide past, and it has retained much of that essence.
If you arrive in Montauban by train, a pleasant walk from the station will lead you to our first must-visit spot: Pont Vieux, passing by the old monumental church that sadly remains closed.
Le Pont Vieux.
Dating back to the 14th century, this bridge continues to be a significant landmark, serving as both a meeting point and a venue for celebrations, including national fireworks displays.
What caught my attention is that, unlike other medieval bridges, Pont Vieux follows a relatively straight design, which was quite a sophisticated feat given the technological limitations of that era.
Place Nationale.
The central square of Montauban boasts a captivating water mirror at its heart. The red brick arches that embrace the square reminded me of Place des Vosges in Paris. While this square in Montauban exudes a cozier and more exquisite atmosphere, which is lost in Paris due to monumentalism.
Pause here for a delightful moment to savor delisious ice cream and enjoy the view.
Though the list of attractions is relatively modest, especially in summer when everybody is trying to get out of the cities to coastal retreats.
However, Montauban definitely deserves leisurely exploration.
Cathedral of Montauban
Notably distinct from the city's customary red-brick constructions, the monumental cathedral stands out with its stone facade, creating a captivating contrast in the cityscape.
Museums to visit.
If you are in for museums, I'd recommend
Ingres museum. This museum is dedicated to the renowned academic French artist Jean Ingres, who was born in Montauban.
Natural History Museum. Located not far from Ingres museum, this small yet fascinating museum is a joy to visit, especially if you're accompanied by kids. The exhibits encompass animals, plants, and geological wonders. An intriguing highlight is a fragment of the Orgueil meteorite, which fell down in the southern region of Montauban in 1864.
L'espace V.O. Café-théâtre.
If your visit isn't coinciding with the summer holidays, I strongly encourage you to check out the program of this café-theatre. It promises a delightful evening amidst a friendly atmosphere, featuring truly captivating performances.
Port Canal.
Back to Port Canal, I'd recommend taking some time after training to walk around the canal. Its tranquility, beauty, and revitalizing aura make it an excellent post-training activity. After that consider settling down to relish a glass of wine in the evening with a view to serene waterscape.
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