Montmorillon - A Bit of History

Montmorillon is one of the jewels of the Vienne. Virtually at the cross-roads of three regions – Poitou, Berry and Limousin, architectural remains found in the rock shelters on the banks of the river Gartempe (beside the Creperie) suggest human occupation since pre-historic times.

The central feature is the beautifully restored medieval town. The town is known as “La Cité de L’Écrit et des Métiers du Livre”– a city of writing and book professions. One of eight communities in Europe specialising in all aspects of books.
Maison Calla sits at the very top of La Cité de L’Écrit in Le Quartier du Brouard, Maison Canna at the bottom, next to the river.

T the beautiful Church of Notre-Dame in central to the cité Built into the cliff side and overlooking the Gartempe, the church has 12th century wall paintings to see in the crypt of St Catherine.

Across the bridge and into the main town square you will find the tourist information offices.

The square is where the weekly Wednesday market is held where you can buy local produce, depending on the season, including the fabulous Poitou melons, shellfish, cepes, local honey, garlic etc

Back across the bridge and ancient cobble-stoned streets wind sharply upwards through restored houses, shops and bookstores.

There is lithography, calligraphy, book-binding and paper-making, charming book-lined cafes, pub and a small theatre.

Throughout the year there are frequent exhibitions of art, pottery and photography.

La Chapelle Saint-Nicolas is a small Romanesque building dating from the 11th century which retains its formal five-sided apse and small doorway. It was a traditional place of pilgrimage for people seeking health and strength, or for young women looking for a husband.

Nothing remains of the 11th century Château which once dominated the town except a round tower surmounted by a golden figure of the Virgin Mary – “Le Rocher de la Vierge” or rock of the virgin.

La Maison-Dieu is a monastic hospital founded in the 11th century by a local lord, Robert, on his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem which used to provide food and shelter to pilgrims and local people. It now houses a residential home for the elderly of the town.

Within the Maison-Dieu is the curious cemetery chapel L’octogone. It is the town’s earliest monument . Restored between 1997 and 1999 it is believed to be a replica of the St-Sépulcre (Holy Sepulchre) in Jerusalem.

La chapelle Saint-Laurent was the monastery church. The Romanesque tower and façade are decorated with a frieze depicting the childhood of Christ. During its renovation in the 19th century, the walls of the chapel were decorated with religious paintings.

Rebuilt in the 17th century La chauffoir was the only heated part of the entire Maison-Dieu and was used to welcome patients for the hospital and poor passers-by during cold weather.

We heartily recommend you spend a day exploring the town, browsing through the book shops and galleries, peeking up the little side street, strolling besides the Gartempe, sitting outside one of the cafe/bars to sip a coffee or a chilled glass of wine. It is the perfect way to relax and a lovely gently start to a great holiday.

To see a map of the La Cité de L’Écrit Click here

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