MONTAUBAN

Montauban is found about 50 kilometres north of Toulouse in the Tarn et Garonne department.
Montauban, founded in 1144 by the Count of Toulouse on the banks of the Tarn River, is made from the attractive pink stone found in the region, like its great southern cousin Toulouse.
The town does have quite a bit of urban sprawl, which perhaps doesn't create the best impression on arrival - but be sure to continue, for the town centre is very impressive!
The highlight of the town is at the centre of the original bastide - the Place Nationale. Surrounded by grand pink houses, in the red-brick that is common to the region, and set above fine arcades, it is a very attractive central square. It was largely rebuilt in the 17th century after a fire. The arcades of are an unusual 'double' construction - one set of arcades near the house/shop fronts and another closer to the square.
Complete on all four sides, this central square in Montauban is one of the most impressive to be seen in all of the bastide towns of south-west France.
Be sure to take refreshments in one of the cafes that line the square, then wander around the surrounding streets a little, and past the Church of Saint Jacques - an attractive 13th century church with a square tower and an impressive mosaic entrance. Following the traditional grid pattern of a bastide town, the straight streets of the town centre now form a lively shopping centre, with lots of interesting features and buildings to discover.