Situated some 50 km south-east of Poitiers and 80 km north of Limoges, Montmorillon lies at the junction of the Vienne, Indre and Haute-Vienne rivers.
The presence of the Monts de Blond to the north of the Haute-Vienne protects it from the colder climate of the Massif Central, giving it a milder oceanic climate.
Montmorillon is first and foremost renowned for its Cité de l’Ecrit et des Métiers du Livre, located in the medieval district of Brouard. It has become a center of excellence, as much for the diversity of its second-hand booksellers and antiquarian book specialists as for the presence of numerous book craftsmen: calligraphers, illustrators, etc.
Montmorillon is also one of the capitals of the macaroon. It is home to the Musée de l’Amande et du Macaron..
Montmorillon's heritage also leaves a lasting impression, notably the Maison Dieu and Notre-Dame church.
The church has undergone numerous alterations, notably during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion (bays closed off to the north, etc.). Restored in the 19th century, a new chapel dedicated to the miracle of the Virgin Mary was added in 1877.
The interior is adorned with fine furnishings, including a polychrome terracotta Deploration (12th century) and a Virgin and Child, still used today for religious processions.
Not to be overlooked is the Crypt of St. Catherine, the lower church featuring a richly painted scene from the life of Catherine of Alexandria in its cul-de-four. These include the martyrdom of philosophers converted to Christianity by the saint, and her coronation by the Virgin and Child.
The style of this mural, of great artistic quality, is Romanesque, but certain details, such as the Virgin's tender gesture towards her son, reveal the influence of the Gothic period (late 12th - early 13th century).
Also worth seeing is the Octagon, the only one of its kind in Europe. This Christian edifice has two levels: the upper chapel covers a half-buried space used as an ossuary. With the exception of the rectangular chevet to the east, the other seven sides are adorned with high, slightly broken arches framing the openings on both levels and forming a bench at the base of the walls.le vieux pont, le Vieux Palais...
Montmorillon is also home to a beautifully restored medieval quarter.
The town has been awarded the "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" (Town of Art and History) label and the "Villes et Villages Fleuris" (Towns and Villages in Bloom) label.
Tourist Office
2, place du Maréchal Leclerc,
86500 Montmorillon
Tel/Fax: 05.49.91.11.96
https://www.montmorillon.fr/presentation-de-la-ville/
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