Montreal-du-Gers

Visit Montreal-du-Gers, Midi-Pyrenees

Montreal-du-Gers, one of the 'most beautiful villages of France', is at the northern limit of the Gers department, 10 kilometres west of Condom and 5 kilometres west of Larressingle. It is a traditional bastide town of south-west France, founded (as were many) by Alphonse de Poitiers. A roman settlement had previously stood in the same location.

Explore Montreal-du-Gers

The bastide towns were the new towns of the 13th century, and usually have a central square surrounded by arcades (sheltered edges, accessed by large stone arches). The streets in these towns radiate from the centre and are straight, and carefully planned to give equal space to each house.

It is this central square that is the centre of your visit to the quiet town of Montreal-du-Gers, followed by a stroll along the quiet side streets to admire the medieval and half-timbered houses. The town hall that dominates the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville dates from the 18th century.

The 13th century Church of Sainte-Marie in Montreal-du-Gers, as in most bastide towns, is found adjacent to the central square. You can admire it from the square as you take a rest at one of the cafes in the square, then take a look at the carved stonework around the doorway before entering the church to see the painted capital stones.

Below the village there is a flight of steps that lead to the gently flowing river Auzoue.

Attractions nearby

Montreal-du-Gers is on the Le Puy en Velay to Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage path, and has the unusual distinction that we actually saw a couple of heavily laden 'pilgrims' making their way through the village. Visit the tourist office to find out more about the path and other walks in the region.

The Roman Villa and Museum of Seviac, dating from the 4th century and having a large number of intact mosaic floors, was once one of the most luxurious villas in the region, and can now be visited near Montreal-du-Gers.

The very lovely medieval fortified 'city' of Larressingle and the village of Fourcés are also close by and, like Montreal-du-Gers itself, both are classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

Tourist classifications for Montreal-du-Gers: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Montreal-du-Gers, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Mezin 13km; Condom 14km; Vic Fezensac 23km; Nerac 25km; Barbaste 26km; Lectoure 34km; Fleurance 39km; Casteljaloux 42km; Agen 44km; Gramont Chateau 45km; Auch 46km; Puymirol 55km; Maubourguet 55km; Mont-de-Marsan 56km; Auvillar 58km; Laroque-Timbaut 58km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Montreal-du-Gers

Montreal-du-Gers tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Blaziert - ville fleurie 4* (22km) : Jardin et arboretum de Coursiana - remarkable garden (24km) : Palmeraie du Sarthou - remarkable garden (29km) : Eglise de Sainte Marie (Aubiac) - religious monument (36km) : Ordan-Larroque - ville fleurie 4* (36km) : Prieuré de Sainte Marie (Moirax) - religious monument (39km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Layrac) - religious monument (42km) : Cathédrale Saint Caprais d'Agen (Agen) - religious monument (44km) :

French version: see Montreal-du-Gers (Francais)