Discover Montfrin on the Gardon

Montfrin combines a walking trail along the Gardon with historic buildings and a weekly market.

Walking trail, Gardon and hiking paths

The Au fil du Gardon walking trail (Petit Parcours) is easy, 2.3 kilometres long and takes about an hour. Yellow markings and signs mark the route. It follows the banks of the Gardon at the foot of the Château de Montfrin, then leads through the historic lanes of the town centre. The start and finish are at Parking du Barri. Check trail conditions and parking availability locally before setting out.

Recreational activities mentioned on the Gardon in Montfrin include swimming, walks, picnics, canoeing and fishing. River conditions and local safety requirements may vary. Check local warnings before entering the water. The GR42 long-distance hiking trail starts near the bridge at Montfrin; also check local trail conditions before hiking.

Buildings and local history

Montfrin’s historic town walls were 1,100 metres long, 9 metres high and 1 metre wide. They included four gates and projecting watchtowers. The Renaissance façade of the Maison Renaissance dite hôtel de Calvières dates from the 16th century. A decree dated 18 September 2003 protects the entire building as a historic monument.

The Commanderie Saint-Jean de Montfrin was built by the Templars in 1169. It was a Templar commandery until 1312, after which it became a Hospitaller hospital. A decree dated 1 August 2003 protects the former Templar commandery as a historic monument, including the courtyards and the ground of the former cemetery, but excluding the community hall built there. The community hall built there is excluded.

Notre-Dame de Malpas was built by the Templars in 1180; its bell tower dates from 1372. The church also houses a painting by Xavier Sigalon. The Chapelle des Pénitents noirs was restored and has housed the Montfrin municipal library since 1998. The Black Penitents held their first service in the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pitié in 1611.

The Château de Montfrin is privately owned and protected as a historic monument. It was built around an ancient Roman tower and the Templar keep. Check tourist information before planning a visit. The château produces wines in three colours under five AOC designations, including wines made from Syrah, Grenache and Viognier. The range may change; check the producer’s current information if interested.

Market, river and other local features

Montfrin’s weekly market takes place every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon on Cours Jean-Jaurès. Regional producers offer a wide range of local products there. Opening times and the market selection may change; check both before visiting.

The La Baume site is home to a troglodytic apié with 75 niches. Apiés are bee walls; the number of niches gives a concrete sense of the scale of this type of site. Pencil-shaped cut tree trunks along the banks of the Gardon are regarded as a sign of the many beavers in the river. Sightings are not guaranteed; beaver-watching is seasonal. The Arènes de Montfrin can accommodate 1,200 spectators.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Sauveur-Camprieu, Fournes, Fontanès, Saint-Hyppolyte-Du-Fort, Saint-Quentin-La-Poterie, Congénies, Brouzet-lès-Quissac, Saint-André-D'olérargues.

For the broader travel overview: Gard.