Merchants' Race
A local sporting event where the shopkeepers of Montargis compete in a fun and energetic race.
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Montargis
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ℹ️Practical info — Montargis
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Follow the 'Circuit des Ponts' (Bridges Circuit) starting from the tourist office to discover the town's 130+ bridges.
- Park outside the historic center, as the streets alongside the canals are very narrow.
- Walking along the Canal de Briare is completely free and provides highly scenic views.
- Don't miss the chance to try the famous pralines, which were invented here in the 17th century.
🍽 Food
🍽
Praslines (Pralines)
Roasted almonds in caramel. Buy them at the famous Mazet shop on Place Mirabeau.
🍽
Gâtinais Honey
High-quality regional honey available in the local delicatessens.
🍽
Goat Cheese
Taste the local goat cheese paired with a glass of wine at a small bistro.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Rue Dorée
Stroll down this historic street lined with many characterful boutiques.
🛍
Weekly Market
Visit the Saturday morning market on Place de la République for fresh food.
🧘
Lac des Closiers
A tranquil lake that is great for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
🧘
Pâtis Nature Reserve
A large green area for a break away from the urban canals.
Water temperature…
Montargis, located in the Loiret department, is affectionately known as the 'Venice of the Gâtinais' due to its intricate network of waterways. The town is situated at the junction of three major canals, Briare, Loing, and Orléans, and is further crisscrossed by the Puiseaux river. This unique geography has required the construction of 131 bridges, ranging from medieval stone arches to modern footbridges, creating an easy on the eye urban landscape. Historically, Montargis held the title of a 'Royal City,' with its castle serving as a frequent residence for French monarchs during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Culturally, it is famous for the 'Prasine,' a caramelized almond candy invented here in 1636. An intriguing historical footnote is the town's role in early 20th-century Chinese history; it hosted many young Chinese students who would later become prominent leaders, including Deng Xiaoping. Modern Montargis is a thriving sub-prefecture that serves as a vital economic and cultural hub for the region, offering a high quality of life with its blend of historical heritage, scenic canal paths, and bustling market culture.
- Location: Centre-Val de Loire, France
- Top sights: Montargis Castle · Girodet Museum · Canals of Montargis
- Nearby: Souppes-sur-Loing (21 km)
- Population: ~18.380
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 55 | 48 | 54 | 47 | 71 | 60 | 58 | 58 | 45 | 65 | 62 | 67 |
Geography
Facts
- Area: 4.46 sq km
- Number of bridges: 131
- Invention of the Prasine: 1636
- Elevation: 82 to 112 meters
- Deng Xiaoping museum on site
- Postal code: 45200
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Montargis (6)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Montargis called the 'Venice of the Gâtinais'?
Because of its 131 bridges and footbridges that cross the numerous canals and arms of the Loing River running through the old town.
What is the most famous culinary specialty of Montargis?
The Praline of Montargis, a roasted almond coated in caramelized sugar, invented by the Mazet confectionery in the 17th century.
Can the Castle of Montargis be visited?
Only ruins and gardens remain of the former royal castle, offering a beautiful view over the city.
How far is Montargis from Paris?
Montargis is about 110 km south of Paris and can be reached by train from Gare de Bercy in about an hour.
Which museum is worth visiting in Montargis?
The Musée Girodet houses an important collection of works by the painter Anne-Louis Girodet, a pupil of Jacques-Louis David.
Montargis: where is it located?
Montargis is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Montargis: what is there to see?
Highlights include Montargis Castle, Girodet Museum, Canals of Montargis.
Montargis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Montargis: why is it worth visiting?
Montargis, located in the Loiret department, is affectionately known as the 'Venice of the Gâtinais' due to its intricate network of waterways.
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