Montvalent : a portrait

This site is conceived by the owners of L'Erable bed and breakfast in the commune of Montvalent.

Our purpose is to describe the landscape and extraordinary history of our adopted home, to give you an idea of what to expect when you visit this beautiful and historic commune in the valley of the Dordogne.

Montvalent is in the ancient province of Haut Quercy, which maps closely onto the modern day department of Lot in the north of the Midi-Pyrénées region.

The commune stretches from the fertile valley of the river Dordogne, via wooded cliffs, to the arid limestone plateau, or causse, of Gramat, an area of great geological interest.

The village lies at the crossroads of the GR 46 and GR652 footpaths, which follow old pilgrim routes to Rocamadour, and beyond to Saint Jacques de Compostelle. It also sits astride the main road from Cressensac to Rodez constructed under Napoleon III, now the D840.

The village has a rich history. From 1170 Montvalent, like many of its neighbours, belonged to the viscounts of Turenne. A medieval fortress stood where the chateau now stands and during the Hundred Years War the village was held for several years by Gascon mercenary forces allied to the king of England.

See the site of the commune of Montvalent for up to date local information on events, accommodation, restaurants, places to visit and the life of the commune itself.