Best of Montauban

Montauban Essentials

Montauban, the oldest of Southwest France’s bastide towns, is defined by its distinctive pink brick architecture and medieval layout. This selection features the 14th-century Pont Vieux and the iconic Place Nationale with its unique double-vaulted arcades. Key cultural landmarks include the Musée Ingres Bourdelle, housed in the former episcopal palace, and the white stone Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which stands in contrast to the city's signature red brick. Religious history is further represented by the Gothic Église Saint-Jacques and the Protestant Temple des Carmes.

Musée Ingres Bourdelle

The Musée Ingres Bourdelle is located in Montauban, France. It houses a collection of artworks and artifacts related to two famous artists…

Pont Vieux

Completed in 1335, this 205-meter-long medieval bridge features seven pointed arches. Built entirely of pink brick, it spans the Tarn river and was originally designed with defensive towers at either end.

Place Nationale

Historic pedestrian square featuring pink brick double arcades and cobblestone paving. This central heritage site serves as the heart of the medieval bastide and is recognized as a national monument.

Montauban Cathedral

Montauban Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and a national monument of France located in the town of Montauban.

Église Saint-Jacques

A 13th-century Gothic church and one of the few medieval buildings to survive the Wars of Religion. It features a fortified facade and a distinctive Toulousain-style octagonal bell tower.

Temple des Carmes

Originally a 13th-century Carmelite convent church, this building was repurposed as a Protestant place of worship in the 19th century, reflecting the city's strong Huguenot history.

Théâtre Olympe de Gouges

Named in honor of the pioneering feminist born in Montauban, this theater features a 19th-century facade decorated with bas-reliefs representing music and drama.

Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle Victor Brun

Housed in the former palace of the Intendancy, this museum contains extensive zoological collections, including a significant ornithological display and fragments of the rare Orgueil meteorite.

Château de Montauriol

A 19th-century neo-Gothic manor built on the site of a former medieval monastery. It currently serves as the administrative headquarters for the Tarn-et-Garonne Departmental Council.