Montmorillon
The City of Writing
The old town of Montmorillon on the River Gartempe in the Vienne département is a place of books and known throughout France as the ‘City of Writing’. The writer François Rabelais was born here and later worked in the Auditory.
It is also officially a ‘Town of Art and History’ given its association with literature and books as well as having a charming old quarter with a 15th century bridge over the river, although it has to be said, somewhat spoiled by two modern sections flanking the original arch in the centre!
There are several buildings of interest to see including the Vieux Palais by the River (no public access), the 11th century chapel known as the Octogone de Montmorillon just off the rue des Augustins, the 11th century (and later) Church of Saint-Martial with its multi-tiered tower and the Chapel of Saint-Laurent.