Top Things to Do Near Montmorillon
If you're staying in the south Vienne, you might be tempted to spend your days doing very little — and honestly, that's a perfectly valid choice. But when the mood strikes for adventure, you'll find you're ideally placed to explore one of France's most underrated corners.
The area around Montmorillon is rich in history, natural beauty, and quirky charm, and most of it remains blissfully uncrowded. Here's where to start.
1. Explore the Cité de l'Écrit — Montmorillon's Book Quarter
Montmorillon holds the official title of France's 'City of Writing and Book Professions', and its medieval quarter lives up to that billing. The Cité de l'Écrit et des Métiers du Livre is home to around twenty independent shops: second-hand booksellers, calligraphers, bookbinders, illustrators, and papermakers.
It's the kind of place where you can lose an entire afternoon browsing, sipping coffee, and watching craftspeople at work. Don't miss the Musée du Macaron while you're there — Montmorillon has been making its distinctive soft almond macaroons since the 17th century.
Leave time to pick up a bag from the Rannou-Métivier patisserie just down the road.
2. Walk the Medieval Town & Its Gothic Bridge
Montmorillon is one of those French towns best appreciated on foot. Start at the old Gothic bridge over the Gartempe river, which dates in part from the 15th century, and follow the river along both banks. The views up towards the Notre-Dame church, perched on a rocky spur above the water, are particularly striking. Inside the church, seek out the remarkable 12th-century frescoes in the Crypt of Saint Catherine — they're among the finest Romanesque artworks in the region. Nearby, the 12th-century Octagon chapel is a curious little gem whose architecture is said to be inspired by the Chapel of the Rock in Jerusalem.
3. Visit the Abbey of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe (UNESCO World Heritage)
Just 25 kilometres north of Montmorillon, Saint-Savin Abbey is home to one of France's greatest Romanesque treasures. The Abbey Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its extraordinary collection of 11th and 12th-century murals — often called the 'Romanesque Sistine Chapel'. The paintings cover the vaulted nave in vivid scenes from the Old Testament, and visiting feels genuinely revelatory. Allow a couple of hours and combine it with a stroll around the charming village.
4. Discover the Ruined Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers
One of the most atmospheric places in the entire region, the Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers dates back to the 13th century. After being devastated by fire in 1932 and gradually reclaimed by nature, its towers, staircases, and window arches are now entwined with vegetation in a hauntingly beautiful way. Over 27,000 donors crowdfunded its purchase in 2017 to save it from demolition, and it now hosts guided visits.
5. Chauvigny: Medieval Castles & Falconry
The hilltop town of Chauvigny, around 25 kilometres towards Poitiers, is dominated by the ruins of five medieval castles. It's also home to Les Géants du Ciel, one of France's finest falconry shows, where eagles, vultures, and falcons perform breathtaking flights over the castle ruins. A spectacular experience for all ages.
6. Futuroscope: France's Most Innovative Theme Park
Around 45 kilometres to the north, Futuroscope is France's leading technology-themed attraction, offering over 40 immersive experiences including 4D cinema, simulator rides, robot dance shows, and spectacular evening shows. Book tickets in advance in summer.
7. Angles-sur-l'Anglin: One of France's Most Beautiful Villages
Listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, Angles-sur-l'Anglin sits on a cliff above its river and is one of those places that immediately makes you reach for your camera. The ruined fortress, the ancient chapel cut into the rock, and the cobbled lanes winding down to the Anglin make for one of the most picturesque scenes in the region.
8. Wednesday Market in Montmorillon
If your stay overlaps with a Wednesday, the weekly market in Montmorillon is well worth a visit. Local producers bring seasonal produce, cheese, charcuterie, and fresh bread, and the atmosphere captures something essentially French about rural market life. It's a lovely way to stock up for an evening meal back at the house.
Staying at Forge in France puts you within easy reach of all these destinations — most are under 45 minutes by car. With 50 hectares of parkland to come home to, including three fishing lakes, a heated pool, and a sauna, you can combine a morning of exploring with an afternoon of blissful doing-nothing. Check availability and rates.
