Photo Contest @ Ville De MontaubanWe suggest you download the map and wander from place to place. It’s an opportunity to discover the city through thelens of your camera, passing by all its emblematic landmarks. You’ll discover a bright, colorful city that has reinvented itself throughout its rich history.
It’s impossible to talk about our destination without mentioning our must-see: Place Nationale. It’s sure to win you over! Right in the heart of the city, it’s one of the most beautiful squares in France. Sheltered by its double brick arches or on the pavement, Place Nationale is a showcase that changes color with the day and the seasons. Its water mirror makes it sparkle, by day with its reflections, mist and water jets, and by night with its colors and lights.
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Post Mib @montauban TourismeHere again, this spot is a must-see. For this famous viewpoint, cross the Pont Vieux, one of the last medieval remains of the city. The long, charismatic string of bridges, the Musée Ingres Bourdelle and the bell tower of the Church of St. Jacques now stand before you. During the day or at sunset, on a grey day or under a clear blue sky, whatever the time of day or the weather, you’ll always manage to get that pretty shot and admire this postcard.
As you cross the old bridge, you’ll see the beautiful facades of the town houses, which we’ll tell you more about later…
Once you’ve crossed the Pont Vieux, discover the Villebourbon district: a village within the city, and capture in pictures the beautiful facades of the Art Deco houses. If you have to pick just one, anchor at Place Lalaque in L’Embarcadère. It’s a jewel of heritage, a beacon ofArt Deco architecture.
If you’d like to get some great shots of the friendly scenes of life here, and discover the typical interiors of this architecture, come aboard in the evening at the Brasserie de la Halle, or on Wednesday mornings during the farmers’ market, for more colorful photos!
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Post Port Canal @montauban TourismeA place of authentic charm. Located just a stone’s throw from the city center (less than 15 minutes on foot), Port Canalis a haven of peace and greenery, offering a complete change of scenery.
The gentle ripple of multicolored boats is reflected on the canal. Birdsong and the accents of onlookers set the mood. Our tip: don’t miss a sunset here, a unique moment of tranquillity for magnificent photos.
Retrace your steps and cross over one of the city’s other bridges to reach the heart of town: on your left, you’ll see a grandstand. Head for it, and you’ll find another ideal spot for photography, painting and strolling.
Here you are, sitting on a step that used to be the Montalbanais’ bathing place.
You’ll be charmed by the panorama of the façades of the old townhouses on Quai Villebourbon, which paint their reflections in the undulations of the Tarn.
Built by wealthy manufacturers and merchants, these beautiful residences are a reminder that this suburb once lived to the rhythm of the cloth industry, which flourished until the early 19th century.
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Jardin Des Plantes @montauban TourismeIf you love nature and history, you’ll love this place. Arboretum featuring remarkable plant specimens such as Virginia Tulip trees and giant Sequoias, most of which were planted when the garden was created in 1861. To cross the Tescou River, take the footbridge for some great underwater photos. Benches and stone sculptures are also a perfect mix for great shots!
Take a stroll through the streets of the town center, to admire the brick facades, plastered for the colorful versions , and let yourself be surprised for the lucky ones by the beautiful interior courtyards of some private mansions, like the Mila de Cabarieu (rue des Carmes). For Montauban‘s most Instagrammable streets, we recommend Rue de la République, with its Passage du Vieux Palais, and Rue de la Résistance, with its old-fashioned shopfronts like Chez Couderc, a veritable nugget that’s a sight to behold both inside and out! Then there’s the Faubourg du Moustier, one of the town’s oldest thoroughfares, which today boasts a fine assortment of façades and charming shutters to make your eyes light up.
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Post Insta Cathedrale @montauban TourismeLike a beacon over the city, the cathedral stands at the highest point of the old town. Monumental and dressed in white, it stands out from the surrounding colorful brick houses, which are reflected in the square’s water mirror. The four imposing statuesof the Evangelists stare down at you from the top of the façade.
Step into the lair of this great lady with a burdened soul. From the moment you enter, the sound is celestial, and the pure light floods the immense space with a sober gentleness. The vast nave is bathed in clear light, which penetrates under the perfect arches of the tall windows.
*Please note that the interior of the cathedral is not currently accessible.
On the Allées Mortarieu and Allées de l’Empereur, numerous works of contemporary art paying tribute to Bourdelle have been installed.
Starting from theesplanade des Fontaines, discover Flavio de Faveri’s Cleopatra, then move on to Patrick Berthaud’s Wave, a tribute to Camille Claudel, with whom Bourdelle worked in Rodin’s studio.
Further on, near thekiosk, admire Émilie Prouchet Dalla Costa’s monumental arrows, which appear to have been fired by Corinne Chauvet‘sarcher Herakles emerging from the earth, installed on the belvedere overlooking the Jardin des Plantes.
Our photographic favourites: the perspective with the Wave and La Poste, which skilfully blends tradition and modernity, and the sculpture of Napoleon, which lights up in the evening to create a play of light and shadow.
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Post La Source @montauban TourismeIf you’re a strolling photographer, keep your eyes peeled for art just around the corner… In Montauban, street art is part of the journey!
Our favorite: coming from Place Nationale, head for the intersection of Rue Fourchue and Rue de l’Union Compagnonnique. Turn around and take a picture of ” ONE GRRR “. Artist MOG revisits ” La Source d’Ingres “, an ultra-colorful monumental fresco nearly 15 meters high!
Taking pictures isn’t easy… we’d love to hear you share!
Situated between the Garonne Valley and the Canal Latéral, welcome to Escatalens, where green tourism is booming. Whether you’re looking for a bike ride along the banks of the canal, a relaxing interlude in a remarkable garden or a hike, you’ll be charmed by this commune’s agricultural heritage.
Post Escatalens @montauban TourismeOn the banks of the Aveyron river, this commune of the Greater Montauban region reveals its charms. A beautiful brick mill with its feet in the water, a guinguette in summer, a natural swimming spot and a small sandy beach.
Alternatively, climb the PR1 hiking trail through orchards and forests. Beautiful views over the rolling countryside, where traditional crops mingle with orchid-richnatural areas.
A picture-postcard view!
Post Moulin @montauban TourismeAlong the Montech canal, discover this charming commune, bordered by lush greenery reminiscent of the hues of the Agre forest.
Whatever the season, with your walking stick or handlebars in hand, take a stroll in this setting, where nature is at your service.
Our advice: keep an eye out for the architectural sights around you! Take a stroll along the canal and you’ll come across some lovely little lock-keeper’s houses, and in the village you might catch a glimpse of an old “haunted” house, dear to the hearts of the Lacourtois…
Post Lacourt Saint Pierre @mairie De Lacourt St PierreTake a stroll through its streets, squares and surroundings, and admire the singularharmony of its built heritage, which takes you back to the heyday ofArt Deco. You’ll be able to take magnificent shots of the 132 Art Deco houses. Sturdy houses made of concrete and stone flaunt their Art Deco facades, a style that favors straight lines and geometric shapes.
They feature bow windows, interlacing roofs and verandas, pediments, gables, delicate friezes and spandrels. All in shades of red, blue, dark gray or flamboyant yellow.
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