Montgesty: Church, Perboyre and the Menhir Route

Montgesty brings together three distinct themes for a trip: the architectural history of the parish church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, the memory of Jean-Gabriel Perboyre and the Circuit du Menhir. The circular route is 9.5 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and takes 2.5 hours. This gives you a concrete timeframe for planning a day’s hike; the church and Perboyre connections offer a different focus.

Parish church: architectural history and details

The architectural history of the parish church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption spans several periods. The façade wall is probably the only surviving part of the medieval church; the bell tower was built against it in the late 15th or early 16th century. The nave and aisles were completely rebuilt in the 19th century. The sequence therefore brings together a presumed medieval remnant, the later bell tower and the complete rebuilding of the nave and aisles. The portal’s decoration adds a distinctive feature: it is adorned with notched shafts, and a corbel depicts an angel holding a shield bearing the IHS monogram. Montgesty is also home to a statue of Saint Jean-Gabriel Perboyre, an altar and a tabernacle. This ensemble has been protected as a Monument historique since 2015.

Jean-Gabriel Perboyre and planning your visit

Jean-Gabriel Perboyre was born in Montgesty in 1802 and is described as China’s first saint. The Maison Natale de Jean-Gabriel Perboyre can be visited throughout 2026 by appointment. Every September, a large gathering is held in his honour in Le Puech, his birthplace, and in Montgesty. Different timings apply when planning your trip: arrange your visit to the Maison Natale in advance and check the specific date in September if you plan to attend the gathering.

Circuit du Menhir: distance, route and directions

The Circuit du Menhir is a yellow-marked circular route in Montgesty. Its stated length is 9.5 kilometres, it is rated as moderately difficult and its stated duration is 2.5 hours. Use these details to plan the hike as a separate activity, and check route conditions before setting out. The circuit includes an optional out-and-back detour to the Menhir de Courtis and also passes the Château de Crabilhé. The Menhir de Courtis dates back to 2000 BC. There is a car park for the circuit at Place de l’église; also bear in mind that parking conditions may change.

Local amenities

Local amenities in Montgesty include a café, a restaurant, a grocery store, a post office and a bread outlet. These facilities cater to different needs during your stay. As services may change, check the details in advance if your plans depend on a particular facility.

Discover more destinations: Varaire, Souillac, Lacave, Figeac, Bouziès, Crayssac, Espedaillac, Escamps

For the broader travel overview: Lot.