Food and drink
Located in between Haut-Armagnac and Bas-Armagnac, Montréal is the capital of the Ténarèze-Armagnac area, which produces the strongest and arguably the best Armagnacs. The Château de Monluc in nearby Saint-Puy makes an apéritif called Pousse-rapière, in which Armagnac is blended with a sparkling wine. Or you may like to try another local liqueur, Floc de Gascogne, which is more like port with an Armagnac kick.
Wines are also produced in this area, so look out for those labelled Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh, Béarn, Côtes-du-Brulhois, Tursan, or Saint-Mont (whose vineyard Sarragachies is the only French vineyard which is a classified historical monument).
In terms of gastronomy, the region is famous for its garlic, free-range poultry, foie gras, and melons from Lectoure. Fruit and vegetables grow well here, so there is always plenty of local fresh produce available in the open air markets.
There is a wide range of restaurants in Montréal and the surrounding villages, including some excellent options in the nearby town of Condom. You can still find typical ‘auberges’ offering traditional dishes, or something more modern and cosmopolitan.
Sightseeing
Along with Montréal itself, five more villages in the region grace the official list of ‘most beautiful villages of France’: Fourcès and Larressingle are very close by, whilst Lavardens, La Romieu and Sarrant are still accessible for a day out.
Just outside Montréal, you can now visit the Villa de Séviac, a restored 4th century Gallo-Roman residence. An intVisitors can imagine what daily life was like in 300AD for the inhabitants of Elusa. Set between vineyards and cypress trees, this extensive site is particularly notable for its exceptional ancient mosaics, the largest in France, and its vast baths. A museum in the village itself complements the visit, as various artefacts excavated from the villa are on display there.
The Abbaye de Flaran is another must-see, the perfect example of a 12th century Cistercian ensemble including a cloister and a church. Many cultural activities are hosted here, such as temporary exhibitions and concerts of classical music.
Festivals
For music-lovers staying between late July and mid August, it is definitely worth the hour’s drive to Marciac, where renowned international musicians take to the stage for the ‘Jazz in Marciac’ festival. Marciac is a 13th century bastide and makes for a superb setting for the performances.
Or in early June, the town of Vic-Fezensac parties for a weekend as it hosts its ‘Pentecost Feria’, a mix of events with a Spanish flavour: a pedestrian ‘corrida’, a burlesque parade, an arts trail, bullfighting games and a series of free concerts and shows suitable for all the family. And bodegas are dotted around offering refreshment and conviviality.
