Montreal-du-Gers, one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', is at the northern limit of the Gers department, 10 kilometres west of Condom and five 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.
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France This Way review: we have visited Montreal-du-Gers on more than one occasion and while it is a pleasant enough village we do think it it does not really have the authentic charm of most of the villages listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France'
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 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.
* You might also see mention of the 'Church of Notre-Dame' and the 'Church of Saint-Philippe and Saint-Jacques' - don't go searching for these, they are different names for this same church!
Below the village there is a flight of steps that lead to the gently flowing river Auzoue.
About two kilometres outside the town and next to the river you can see the ruins of the Church of Saint-Pierre-de-Genens, largely destroyed during the religious wars in France in the middle ages but still preserving some of its original roman style stonework.
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.
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 very lovely medieval fortified 'city' of Larressingle and the village of Fourcés are also close by and, like Montreal-du-Gers, both are classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
You can find more travel ideas in the Gers guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
To make travel arrangements to visit Montreal-du-Gers see HERE
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Places to visit near Montreal-du-Gers
Fources
Fources, one of the 'most beautiful villages in France' is unusual in being a bastide town that follows a circular layout
Fources guide
Larressingle
Larressingle is a perfect medieval fortified village, with the defensive walls around the town still almost completely intact
Larressingle guide
Poudenas
The scenic village of Poudenas has a bridge across the small river and a castle with large gardens to visit
Poudenas guide
Villeneuve de Mezin
This tiny village is just one of several in the northern Gascony region that have a fortified ancient church.
Villeneuve de Mezin guide
Cathedral Saint-Luperc, Eauze
The Cathedral Saint-Luperc is a 16th century cathedral in Eauze, in the style Gothic Meridionale
Cathedral Saint-Luperc, Eauze guide
... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gers
Tourist classifications for Montreal-du-Gers
Montreal-du-Gers is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Montréal, Condom, Midi-Pyrenees, 32250, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.949, longitude 0.2006
Plan your visit to Montreal-du-Gers, Gers
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Fources: most beautiful village (5 km)
- Beaumont sur l'Osee pont d'Artigues (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (9 km)
- Larressingle: most beautiful village (9 km)
- Blaziert: ville fleurie 4* (22 km)
- Nerac: secteur sauvegarde (23 km)
- La Romieu Collegiale St Pierre (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (24 km)
- Jardin et arboretum de Coursiana: remarkable garden (24 km)
- Palmeraie du Sarthou: remarkable garden (29 km)
- Lectoure: recommended detour (34 km)
- Walibi Aquitaine: theme park (35 km)
- Ordan-Larroque: ville fleurie 4* (36 km)
- Eglise de Sainte Marie (Aubiac): religious monument (36 km)
The French version of this page is at Montreal-du-Gers (Francais)