Visit Montauban on foot

Montauban is nicknamed "the pinkest of pink towns", because its local stone architecture is remarkable. Its green corridor, its pedestrian streets of the hypercentre, its cycle paths around the city, its islands of greenery also make it a green city. It has 9 bus lines and it is pleasant to get around without a car. We give you our best ideas for visiting Montauban on foot.

Tarn Aveyron Guide photos unless otherwise stated

Treat yourself to the gastronomy of Montalbanaise

The Montalbanaise specialties are gourmet and generous, typical of the gastronomy of the southwest. There are all kinds of restaurants in the historic town center of Montauban, from the most traditional to the most unusual.

Our gourmet tips:

•  Eat under the arcades of the Place Nationale, to admire the Montalban architecture, in pink bricks.
•  Take advantage of a beautiful day to eat by the water, on the banks of the Tarn.

A few places to remember

• Le Flingueur, a brasserie with a friendly atmosphere, serving tasty dishes.
• Chez Ernest, an old farmhouse renovated into a superb restaurant 10 minutes from downtown
• Antoine Restaurant Omnivore, inventive and innovative cuisine
• Les 5 Bouchons, a bistronomic restaurant
• Mia Pizza, Italian dishes to eat in or take away

Take a walk to see the must-see monuments of Montauban

Montauban is a "City of art and history", classified among the "Great sites of France". You can easily see its monuments in the historical center of the city. As a family, the Little Tourist Train will allow you to appreciate this architecture, without too much effort. During your walk in the city center, do not miss the following monuments:

• The Baroque Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
• The Old Bridge.
• National Square.

Do the Street Art circuit

The beautiful architecture of Montalban obviously inspires many artists today because street art has naturally developed in the streets there. These works are very varied and will not fail to surprise you. The Tourist Office makes you discover this open-air museum, during a visit that looks like a treasure hunt through the city.

You can download the map from the Tourist Office website.

Hunt the Space-Invaders

To go a little further in your discovery, we suggest you hunt the "space invaders"... An artist, very mysterious but renowned throughout the world, hides in unusual places his works on the theme of the Space-Invaders video game of 1978 ! If you look carefully, you will find 11 in Montauban… Good hunting!

The Tourist Office has referenced them on this page.

Take advantage of Montalban's green spaces

Montauban is a green city where you will find beautiful gardens and flowery parks. Each one has its specificity and its particular atmosphere. Whether you are sporty, with your family or simply want to enjoy a picnic and a moment of relaxation, there is something for you.

• The Jardin des Plantes, with a playground and lovely water features, is on the outskirts of the historic center of Montauban.
• Cours Foucault, on the banks of the Tarn.
• The Promenade des Montalbanais, a green corridor, ideal for joggers, to the north of the city.
• La Roseraie François Mitterrand, for the beauty of its flowers, is located in the western district.

Find local products in the markets

Going to the Montalbanais markets will allow you to soak up the atmosphere of the city and the friendliness of its inhabitants. You will taste good local products, you will hear the singing accent of the country, you will discuss with producers who are passionate about their work and their land!

• The Saturday market, near the Jardin des Plantes.
• The organic farmers' market, on Place Prax Paris.
• The covered market, near the Place Nationale.

Swimming at the Ingreo Aquatic Center

Served by 3 bus lines, you can swim and have fun with your family in the large Ingreo Aquatic Center, in the heart of the city. A swimming pool, a spa and even a fitness room await you for a moment of well-being. The activities are varied and suitable for the whole family.

To visit museums

Culture and art hold a primordial place in Montauban. There are many museums to visit. We have selected a few sites located in the city center or accessible by bus:

• The Toy Museum, accessible by bus, line 3.
• The Victor Brun Natural History Museum, in the center.
• The Ingres Bourdelle Art Museum, on the banks of the Tarn.
• The Resistance and Combatant Museum, served by bus lines 1 and 6.

Ingres Bourdelle Art Museum

Victor Brun Natural History Museum

Walks around Montauban

The surroundings of Montauban are green and natural. Hikers will undoubtedly enjoy it, in all seasons. Here are our favorite nature outings:

• The forest of Montech
• Piboulette Lake
• The slopes of Lamothe-Capdeville

How to get around Montauban without a car

In Montauban, public transport is privileged, with 9 bus lines, which serve the 4 districts of the city. If you prefer to get around by bike, cycle paths are available throughout the city. Near the station, in the north of the city, routes allow you to access the neighboring town of Villemade.

Regarding the pedestrian streets of the hypercentre of Montauban, we recommend rue Prax Paris and its shops. You also have rue Léon Cladel and rue de l'Égalité, which are very pleasant for a walk.

We hope to have made you want to visit Montauban on foot and we wish you great visits.

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