Autumn walk in Montech and its forest

Discover Tarn, Aveyron& Tarn et Garonne

15km from Montauban , the forest of Agre , also called the Montech forest is considered as the green lung of Tarn-et-Garonne . In this autumn season, the forest is all colors ! It's the perfect time to discover it , or rediscover it . To spend a moment out of time and in the middle of nature . Take the opportunity to take a ride in the beautiful city of Montech and admire the boats docked in its port .

Montech: from the canal to the forest

You will find in the streets of Montech pretty houses in raw or cooked bricks that give a warm tone to the city.

The streets of Montech

The town hall of Montech and its beautiful arcades in red brick

The Church of Our Lady of the Visitation of the ^fourteenth and fifteenth ^e, classified as historical monuments, is a must-see. It stands out by its Toulouse bell tower with a height of 46m . Not far from this church, you will be able to see and even return to a lovely bandstand .

The Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation church and the Montech kiosk

5 minutes walk from the city center, you have the marina Montech located on the Canal Lateral to the Garonne . It is an adorable little port, where you can walk along the canal on foot or by bike . You should know that Montech is located at the crossroads of the Lateral Canal at the Garonne and the Montech Canal leading to Montauban .

The marina of Montech

Stroll around the marina of Montech, on foot or by bike

If you are fond of good food , do not miss "Le Bistrot Constant". This restaurant is located at the port level, it gives you the opportunity to eat with a beautiful view of the canal and boats . It is an old lock keeper's house which has been transformed into a very welcoming place , bathed in light thanks to its large windows. This establishment is recognized throughout the Tarn-et-Garonne , thanks to its chef Christophe Marque who has made his ranges with very great chefs like Christian Constant or Jean-Marie Gautier . It's a pleasure that is moreover very affordable at the tariff level .

Eat at the "Bistrot Constant" in the heart of the port of Montech

The water slope, a remarkable and unique site

The water slope is a major element of river heritage and is worth the detour just to understand the mechanism. It is an experimental work that allowed boats to cross, in a single maneuver, a difference in height of about 13 meters !
The water slope prevented the boats from crossing five locks and saved them 45 minutes. The principle was to push a body of water and the boat by a motor vehicle consisting of two railcars inspired locomotives. The water slope was commissioned in 1974 , but was closed to navigation in 2009. However the structure remains in place and its operation is very well explained by signs on the site.

The water slope, a remarkable and unique site

Agre's state forest, the return to nature

The forest of Montech is 1474 hectares , it is a wonderful environment for a wide variety of animals : deer, wild boar, squirrels, birds ... If you are discreet enough you can surely observe ...!

This forest is in the form of a drop of water , it is composed of peaceful trails , which you can borrow according to your desires because access is free , they are great to test mountain bike . The forest is crossed by a large path that can serve as a landmark to not lose yourself in nature.

The big road that crosses the forest of Montech

South of the forest, you have at your disposal a botanical trail .

You can follow it in its entirety, which is 3.6 km or choose to do only the 2.4 km loop . Throughout the walk you will find explanatory desks on the flora of the Domaniale d'Agre forest . The ride is very pleasant, except at the beginning because you have the noise of the highway which is not far from the departure of the circuit. However the noise is quickly suffocated by the forest as you progress on the road.

The beginning of the Botanical Trail

Follow the Botanical Trail and its explanatory desks

If you love hiking , you can walk the 11km circuit . It is a loop that starts from the town of Montech , which runs along the canal and through the forest of Montech . It takes about 3h on foot or 1h15 by bike to make this circuit. You will find the map on this site

And do not forget to keep your eyes wide open because at any time a squirrel may cross your feet!