The labels and brands of Greater Montauban

The “Town or Region of Art and History” label, is awarded to regions, local authorities or groups of local authorities which, recognising the importance of residents taking ownership of their architecture and heritage, are committed to actively promoting understanding, conservation, outreach and support for architectural quality and the quality of life.

This proactive approach takes the form of signing an agreement for “City of Art and History ’ or ‘Region of Art and History’, drawn up in close consultation between the Ministry of Culture and Communication (regional directorates for cultural affairs and the Directorate-General for Heritage) and local authorities. It sets out specific objectives and includes a financial component.

The National Council of Cities and Regions of Art and History, established in 1995, sets the broad guidelines for this national policy, which are reflected in the agreements through the following objectives:

• To raise residents’ awareness of their living environment and encourage high-quality tourism
• To introduce young people to architecture, heritage and urban planning
• To showcase the town or region in an Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre.

Implementing these measures requires the establishment of an architecture and heritage outreach service. At its head is an architecture and heritage outreach officer, recruited through a competitive selection process, who works in collaboration with tour guides.

The CRTL helps to implement, in terms of communication, the ‘Grands Sites Occitanie Sud de France’ policy, which forms part of the regional development plan for tourism and leisure. The aim of this scheme is to enhance the economic, tourist and cultural appeal of the regions. It also guarantees international promotion for the destination in question and enables it to secure grants from the Region.

The FFVE’s ‘Towns and Villages Welcoming Vintage Vehicles’ programme aims to recognise local authorities committed to promoting automotive heritage and to make it easier to welcome vintage car enthusiasts. The aim is to bring together, in every town or village, all the elements that make up this rich heritage: museums, traditional skills, events and classic cars.

In 2025, the Greater Montauban area joined the network of towns and villages.

The aim of this programme is to:
Boost local appeal by revitalising town centres and villages through tourism linked to vintage vehicles.
Promote automotive heritage at a local level.
Provide a welcoming environment for vintage car enthusiasts.

The ‘Villes et Villages Fleuris’ award has been in existence for over 60 years.

It recognises local authorities’ commitment to improving the quality of life. It takes into account the importance given to greenery in the design of public spaces, environmental protection, the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, the promotion of France’s botanical heritage, the revitalisation of town centres, the appeal to tourists and the involvement of citizens at the heart of these projects.

The label serves as a practical tool for local authorities seeking to improve the well-being of their residents and preserve the identity of their local areas, whilst enhancing their living environment.

This focus on the ‘gourmet city’ demonstrates a city’s commitment to developing around gastronomy, the richness of local produce and regional specialities. These ‘gourmet towns’ bring together producers, food artisans and retailers around their local produce and help to raise the standard of service across the whole town.

The new ‘Destination of Excellence’ label aims to enhance quality across the entire spectrum of tourism provision: accommodation, catering, places of interest and leisure facilities, tourist information centres (notably tourist offices), and transport.
In addition to the focus on the quality of hospitality and services, which drives the sector, this label specifically raises the standards for environmental responsibility.

It is a government-backed scheme designed to provide objective and consistent information on the accessibility of tourist sites and facilities. Tourisme & Handicap takes into account the four main categories of disability (hearing, intellectual, mobility and visual) and aims to develop a range of tourist services that are adapted and integrated into the mainstream offering. This scheme is the result of collaboration between several stakeholders: the Ministry of Tourism, industry professionals, local authorities and organisations representing people with disabilities.

Accueil Vélo is a national scheme that guarantees a warm welcome and high-quality services along cycle routes for touring cyclists.

You’ll receive a warm welcome at these France Vélo Tourisme partner establishments!

Established in 2004, the ‘Remarkable Garden’ label recognises gardens and parks – whether public or private – that are of cultural, aesthetic, historical or botanical interest. This quality label is awarded by the Ministry of Culture for a renewable period of five years.

The ‘Tables et Auberges de France’ label, established in 1995, aims to promote and highlight the expertise of independent professionals working in restaurants or hotel-restaurants, excluding integrated chains. It forms part of a quality initiative officially recognised by the Ministry of Tourism as part of its efforts to promote the hospitality and catering profession.

The ‘Bienvenue à la ferme’ scheme is the first to guarantee that produce is 100 per cent farm-grown by farmers who are committed to offering high-quality farm produce, providing their guests with a personalised and professional welcome in a well-maintained setting, and to act as ambassadors for sustainable and responsible farming, rooted in their local regions.

Established in 1992, the European Ecolabel is the only official European eco-label that can be used in all member states of the European Union. In France, the Ministry for the Environment has entrusted the roll-out of the European Ecolabel to ADEME and its award to AFNOR Certification. It guarantees high standards in terms of minimising the environmental and health impacts of products and services.

Established in 2009, the Vignobles & Découvertes label aims to organise France’s wine tourism offering and to promote a quality-focused approach implemented within a specific region. It is awarded by Atout France for a period of three years to a destination with a focus on tourism and wine production that offers a range of diverse and complementary tourist services (accommodation, dining, cellar tours and tastings, museums, events, etc.) and enabling visitors to organise their stay more easily and guiding them towards accredited services.

All services bearing the ‘Vignobles & Découvertes’ label meet a range of requirements, such as a high standard of hospitality in French or a foreign language, a particular appreciation of the world of wine, a desire to share knowledge, authenticity, and an openness to the natural, cultural and human heritage of the region.

Visitors will therefore be offered accommodation in the heart of the vineyards, a restaurant serving typical food and wine pairings, a menu featuring local produce, and wine cellars ready to welcome them. A selection of remarkable heritage sites, activities and events is also on offer to provide variety and enable visitors to discover all the local treasures and expertise.