National square

A must-see in the heart of the city since 1144 and the origins of Montauban.
The city center, where most of the streets of the old town converge, boasts one of the oldest urban squares in France. A center of public life, it has long housed municipal (consular house, proclamation marker) and judicial (pillory) powers. Today, its commercial function remains, which has been its true raison d'être for nearly nine centuries.
Ruined by two fires in 1614 and 1649, the square was completely rebuilt thanks to royal generosity and the will of the consuls. This major project was completed in the early 18th century. The alignment of the facades punctuated by monumental pilasters, the systematic use of brick, and the vaulting of the roofs over ribbed vaults reflect the desire to unify the architecture, facilitate air circulation, and make the houses less vulnerable to fire. Between 1999 and 2009, the facades were completely restored, revealing a prestigious monumental ensemble. The renovation of the façade, which began in 2021, and its inauguration in July 2022 complete a vast program to enhance this architectural gem, where residences, commercial and cultural activities coexist harmoniously...