Montbard
The town of Montbard is in the Brenne Valley, the origins of the name is 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 stay 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, nearby supermarkets, the main shopping street. The railway station has a rare TGV stop with connections to Paris and Dijon, parts of the TGV train is built in Montbard in a part of town locally known as "Metal Valley".
There is a market with fresh food and local products every Friday morning in the newly built market hall "Les Halles" in the town centre.
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
Canal position
Riverside Yonne: from lock 65 & 65
Canal navigation began in 1833, and there is a slight renewal of commercial navigation here. The canal has two ports, the upper and lower. In the lower port below lock 65, the moorings are more comfortable.
Next halt upstream is Veneray-les-Laumes
Next stop downstream is Buffon-les-Forges
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 colletion 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
