A Sunday in Spring | Montauban Tourisme

A morning between

Art and seasonal delicacies

Start your day with a visit to the Musée Ingres Bourdelle*, the city’s must-see cultural treasure, nestling in theformer bishop’s palace.

In spring, the special light streaming through its large windows sublimates the works of the master Ingres and the powerful sculptures of Bourdelle.

The temporary spring exhibitions offer a fresh look at the collections, while the museum reveals its light and airy spaces, in perfect harmony with the season of renewal.

I'm off to the MIB

*The little extras

Remember that the MIB is free every 1st Sunday of the month!

If you’re not there on the 1st Sunday of the month, don’t forget to keep your admission ticket – you might need it later!

Continue your morning by strolling through the picturesque streets of the historic centre. Montauban’s pink brickwork glows in the spring sunshine, wisteria and climbing and drooping flowers adorn the balconies and facades of the town houses, and the first café terraces come alive under the arcades of the Place Nationale. Let yourself be carried away by theunique atmosphere of this city of art and history, which seems to be waking up after the winter.

Don't forget to

Fill your basket

Now’s the time to pack your picnic with the treasures of spring. Head to the Place Nationale covered market and nearby delicatessens such as Chez Léonard and Chez Emma.

The stalls are brimming with the first wonders of the season: tender purplish Quercy asparagus, fragrant gariguette strawberries, fresh radishes, new cheeses, succulent local preserves and local wines. The artisans and producers will be delighted to advise you on putting together a gourmet basket of spring flavours.

Now’s the time to pack your picnic with the treasures of spring. Head to the Place Nationale covered market and nearby delicatessens such as Chez Léonard and Chez Emma.

The stalls are brimming with the first wonders of the season: tender purplish Quercy asparagus, fragrant gariguette strawberries, fresh radishes, new cheeses, succulent local preserves and local wines. The artisans and producers will be delighted to advise you on putting together a gourmet basket of spring flavours.

To extend the experienceGroup treasures

Discover all the good things to enjoy this spring.

A lunch break

In the heart of a green setting

With your gourmet basket under your arm, head for the Jardin des Plantes, a veritable arboretum in the heart of the city. This haven of peace, created in the 19th century, offers a dazzling spectacle in spring: majestic mulberry trees with white flowers, tulip trees with green and orange flowers forming a delicate cloud, beds of multicoloured tulips and flower-lined paths.

Take a seat on one of the lawns in the shade of the Giant Sequoia or on a bench on the banks of the Tescou River to enjoy your feast, lulled by the songs of the birds that have taken over the site. The arboretum, with its rare and varied species, offers you an open-air botany lesson, particularly remarkable at this time of year when new varieties are blooming every day.

An afternoon to compose

According to your wishes

Spring in Montalban invites you to continue your day to your heart’s content:

The fun and cultural option

For families and the curious, the Musée des Jouets opens its doors to collections that will delight young and old alike. The antique dolls, wooden toys and games of yesteryear will plunge you into a sweet nostalgia.

The Toy Museum

The natural sciences option

Natural science enthusiasts may prefer to visit the Victor Brun Natural History Museum*, one of the oldest in France. Its ornithological and entomological collections are particularly interesting in spring, when insects are hatching.

Temporary exhibitions often reflect the local biodiversity that blooms before your very eyes at this time of year.

*A little tip: have you been careful to keep your Musée Ingres Bourdelle ticket? Present it at the museum ticket office and you’ll be entitled to a discount!
And don’t forget that the museum is free every 1st Sunday of the month!

The nature option

Lovers of the great outdoors can opt for a hike on one of the many signposted trails in Greater Montauban .

Spring is the ideal time to discover the wild orchid trails that bloom on the surrounding limestone hillsides. The paths lined with flowers, the meadows dotted with budding poppies and the undergrowth carpeted with wildflowers are an enchanting sight.

Don’t forget your camera to capture these ephemeral landscapes!

Hiking in Greater Montauban

Bicycle option

For a more energetic way to explore the area, head to the Port Canal, where you can hire bikes for the whole family at the Logis du Port. As soon as spring arrives, the Vélo Voie Verte along the Garonne Canal awaits you for a peaceful, safe ride.

This route, shaded by young plane trees, is alive with exceptional flora: hawthorns in bloom and wild irises. The banks of the canal, once a towpath, offer a flat route accessible to all abilities, ideal for a family outing. Take the opportunity to look out for the first butterflies and water birds nesting along the canal.

The cruise option

To round off the day in style, treat yourself to a springtime cruise on the Tarn. Aboard the Compagnie Fluviale du Midi pleasure boat, you’ll discover Montauban from a whole new angle.

The water level is often at its best in spring, making for smooth and pleasant sailing. The weeping willows that brush the water with their young shoots, the swifts that swirl around the Pont Vieux and the pink facades of the town houses reflected in the water create a lively and changing picture. Your captain will tell you all about the city’s history on the river and point out the flora and fauna that come back to life after the winter.

Make a reservation!

To prolong the magic

At the end of the day, the café terraces of Place Nationale welcome you to savour the sweetness of the lengthening spring afternoons.

Head to l’Agora, the French Coffee Shop , the Temple Bar or Les Arcades to enjoy hot drinks and pastries, a fruity local white wine or an artisanal syrup, all while taking in thequiet bustle of the square.

Spring Sunday