Montbard

The town of Montbard is in the Brenne Valley, the origins of the name are uncertain, "Mont-Bardes",  the bearded monks perhaps.

The main hill which stands out of the landscape offers an ideal location to defend the valley. During the Middle Ages, the Burgundy Dukes often stayed at the fortified chateau. In 1590 the town is besieged by the Duke of Nemours.

The most influential person throughout history from Montbard, Georges-Louis Leclerc, Count of Buffon, (1707-1788), his studies in Bontany were of great importance. He built smelting forges in a nearby village called Buffon.

As the town is quite large with regards to others along the canal, you'll find most things you need with nearby supermarkets and the main shopping street.

Montbard is also honoured to have a railway station that can provide high-speed TGV trains to Paris and Dijon. This is because some of the high-tech parts are built in Montbard, and incidentally the town has the nickname of "Metal Valley".

There is a market with fresh food and local products every Friday morning in the town centre's newly built market hall "Les Halles".

The above image is a recent view of the top port, which still has some commercial activity.

Links:

• Abbey de Fontenay
• Offical site for Montbard

The canal at Montbard

Canal navigation began in 1833, and commercial navigation is slightly renewed here in this section. The canal has two ports in Montbard, the upper and lower. The moorings in the lower port below lock 65 are more comfortable for self-drive boats.

What to see in Montbard

• The path "Ermitage", which allows you to discover the flora of Montbard is a worthwhile walk.
• Musée Buffon, is a art museum.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts, with a collection of paintings by Burgundian artistes
• Indoor market day every Friday morning

Camping site
80 places on 2,5 hectres
Rue Michel Servet 21500 MONTBARD
Tel: 03.80.92.21.60
Fax: 03.80.92.21.60

Tourisime Office
Adresse Rue Carnot - B.P 22 21501 MONTBARD Cedex
Tel: 03.80.92.03.75
Fax: 03.80.92.03.75

Musée des Beaux-Arts
rue Piron 21500 Montbard (en face de l'Hôtel de Ville)
Tel: 03.80.92.50.42