Visit Montreal-du-Gers, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" on the Routes of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle

Montréal-du-Gers is located at the junction between the Gers and the Lot-et-Garonne. This former Gallo-Roman oppidum is the first of the Gers bastides. Its remarkable medieval heritage has enabled the village to be classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Perched on a rocky outcrop, on the banks of the Auzoue River, Montréal-du-Gers benefits from a very green environment. It is also part of the stages on the Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle and offers all kinds of nature activities.

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Montréal-du-Gers, from the Gallo-Roman oppidum to the medieval bastide

Montréal-du-Gers is a Gallo-Roman oppidum, built on a hill, in the Auzoue valley. Only a few traces of this period remain, but its situation is known from its founding act in 1255. The bastide is located on the land of Alphonse de Poitiers, the brother of King Saint-Louis.

It is particularly affected by the Hundred Years War because it is on the front line between England and France. It will therefore pass from one crown to another for many years. Then it was set on fire during the Wars of Religion. Finally, what remained of these fortifications were demolished during the Revolution.

Visit of Montréal-du-Gers, a journey through time

The paleontological site of Béon

This is a large-scale deposit. An important collection of fossils was discovered there. 90 species have been listed, including 4 new ones, unknown to paleontologists so far! It is therefore one of the must-see sites for paleontology enthusiasts. You can book a guided tour during the summer season.

The Gallo-Roman Villa of Seviac

To discover the Gallo-Roman remains of Montreal-du-Gers, go to the Villa de Seviac. You can admire the fabulous mosaics over an area of 625m² and stroll through these ancient thermal baths. To complete your visit, the Tourist Office has some items from the excavations. The Ancient City of Elusa, now Eauze, is an exceptional tourist site. He shows you life in a "Domus" and reveals its treasures to you in its archaeological museum.

The medieval heritage of the bastide

Montreal-du-Gers is a royal country house of the thirteenth century. It has managed to preserve its typical architecture, as well as remarkable monuments:

• The fortified enclosure and its arched access door.
• The central square, framed by its old halls under arcades, nowadays housing shops and restaurants.
• The medieval streets, lined with half-timbered houses.
• The town hall, a building of the thirteenth century.
• The Sainte-Marie church is also a collegiate church dedicated to the apostles Saint-Philippe and Saint-Jacques. It is a fortified church in the Gothic style, dating from the thirteenth century, but was restored in the seventeenth century.

Activities around Montreal-du-Gers

Hiking in the Auzoue Valley

• The Montréal-du-Gers pond is a very pleasant natural space, ideal for walking and relaxing. Information panels on the local flora and fauna line the path. Families will appreciate its shaded picnic area, overlooking a children's play area.
• From the pond, you have access to two marked routes "PR, Promenade et Randonnée".
• To discover the Gers countryside, you can also take the Chemins de Compostelle du Gers, and in particular the GR654 which passes through Montreal-du-Gers.

Visit the surrounding villages

• Larressingle, the "Little Carcassonne of the Gers"
• The circular Bastide of Fourcès
• The episcopal city of Condom
• Eauze, a city of pilgrims

Nearby tourist sites

• The Archaeological Interpretation Center of the ancient capital of Elusa, in Eauze
• The medieval siege camp of Larressingle
• Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Condom
• The double locks of Graziac on the Baïse

We hope that these few ideas made you want to visit Montreal-du-Gers, during your next vacation in the Gers.

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