Discover Montréal: Bastide, Church and Archaeological Sites

Montréal brings together the history of a bastide, sacred architecture, palaeontological sites and local produce. An annual event is also part of local life. When planning your trip, it is worth matching your interests with visiting conditions and travel dates: visits to Béon are limited to groups and require a guide, while the Flamme de l’Armagnac is celebrated around mid-November.

Bastide, Collegiate Church and Historic Buildings

The bastide of Montréal was founded in March 1255 by order of Alphonse of Poitiers, Count of Toulouse. At its heart stands the collegiate church of Saint-Philippe and Saint-Jacques, which dates from the early 14th century. The founding of the bastide and the construction of the church represent two distinct historical periods.

The collegiate church has three naves, a bell tower and fortified features. The three naves divide the church interior; the tower and fortifications add further architectural elements. The bastide’s setting also shapes its character: it stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Auzoue to the west.

The ruins of Saint-Pierre de Genens are the remains of a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. They have been fully protected as a Monument historique since 1979. Along with the bastide and collegiate church, they offer another point of interest for travellers interested in different periods and forms of architectural heritage.

Palaeontology in Béon

The palaeontological site at Béon in Montréal-du-Gers is about 17 million years old. It is considered one of the major palaeontological sites discovered in France over the past century. More than 90 vertebrate species have been identified there, including four new species described by science. Further research may add to the species inventory. The site’s age and finds make Béon a distinct point of interest alongside the architectural history of the bastide.

Groups can visit the site year-round with a knowledgeable guide from the tourist office. Confirm group and booking arrangements before your trip. The Gallo-Roman villa at Séviac in Montréal-du-Gers is also open to the public; check current visiting hours before you go.

Events and Local Produce

The Flamme de l’Armagnac is celebrated every year around mid-November in Montréal-du-Gers. Exact dates and the programme vary from year to year. If you are planning your trip around the event, check the dates for that year’s edition.

La Fabrique à Souvenirs offers Côtes de Gascogne wines, Floc de Gascogne, Armagnac, prunes with Armagnac and Floc jellies from local producers. The product selection may change with the seasons. There are also four originally designed rooms featuring local recipes, activities and games for visitors. The displays may change over time.

Plan Your Hotel Stay Around Your Reason for Travelling

When looking for a hotel in Montréal, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: the bastide and collegiate church, a guided group visit to Béon, or the Flamme de l’Armagnac each raise different planning considerations. For a visit to Béon, plan your dates around the confirmed group arrangements, and check the dates of the relevant annual edition if you are attending the event.

Discover more destinations: Mirepoix, Laujuzan, L'isle-Jourdain, Lannepax, Jégun, Tasque, Maignaut-Tauzia, Masseube

For the broader travel overview: Gers.