Monts is a small traditional rural commune which is located south of the Indre River in the Centre Region of France. It stands on the riverbank of the Indre, and is known for its six picturesque watermills, its four beautiful chateaux, its Romanesque Church and the huge 59 arch viaduct which stretches 750 metres across the river and valley.
The original old village of Monts was built around the Church of Saint Pierre which stands halfway up the hill from the river. Within this older part of town can be found several medieval houses and the old city hall, which was built in 1840. The church is the oldest building in Monts and was constructed by the monks of the Abbey of St. Julien de Tours during the 12th century. Today the building you see was renovated in the 19th century but still contains the original apse and remains of Romanesque frescoes. The most popular attraction in town however is the enchanting Chateau de Cande which stands within 250 hectares of gardens and woodlands. This delightful Renaissance chateau stands on a rocky outcrop which overlooks the Indre River and dates from the 16th century. The building was fully renovated, extended and modernised during the 1920’s, and was made famous in 1937 when the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII, married Mrs Wallis Simpson. Other attractions which lie within town can be found along the tree-lined riverbanks of the Indre and include the picturesque 18th century watermills, some of which have retained their water-wheels, the millers houses and the beautiful old stone footbridge which stands next to the Moulin des Fleurial. Located within close proximity of Monts can be found the Manoir de’Ortiere which is a 15th century manor house, the Chateau La Roche and the Chateau Le Breuil which was built in 1881 in Renaissance style and is located on the outskirts of town. Dominating the valley is the viaduct which was commissioned by Napoleon III in the mid 19th century and today carries the TGV from Paris to Bordeaux.
Monts is a commune of approximately 7,000 residents which is located in the department of Indre-et-Loire in the Centre Region of France. It lies roughly 15 kilometres south of Tours on the left bank of the Indre River and offers visitors an excellent base from which to explore this exciting and historic area of France. The town provides several cafes, restaurants and a selection of other retail outlets.
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