The commune of
Montcaret, situated half-way between Bergerac and Libourne, is
rightly famous for its Gallo-Romain remains and 11thcentury
church.
The commune of Montcaret is spread over 1706 hectares and
includes many particular points of interest, whether it be its
geographical situation (the name Montcaret comes from the
Latin Mons Carretum meaning ‘mount of the crossroads’) or its
historical wealth (the Protestant scitadel of Montravel was
situated in this commune), the diversity of its heritage, the
beauty of its vine-covered hillsides or the high-quality wines
which can be procured from Montcaret’s many wine-producers.
Mosaics
Courtesy of the National Monuments Centre
One of France’s
- and indeed Europe’s -
finest examples of a
Gallo-Romain « villa »,
built around the year 300, can be found at Montcaret. The
national property site is run by the French Monuments Centre (http://www.monum.fr)
under the direction of the Buildings of France architect.
The villa has a warm-air heating system, a « natatio » (swimming
pool) and private thermal baths. A Romanesque church is
situated within the confines of the villa and, buried under
the floor mosaics tombstones, are 5th century barbarian
Visigoth tombs. An old wash-house is currently undergoing
renovation.
The history of
Montcaret, a 16th century Protestant stronghold, and especially
that of the citadel of Montravel which King Louis XIII’s army
besieged in 1622 and destroyed stone by stone, is immensely
important to the understanding of France and religion in the
region.
Montcaret is surrounded by places of real historical interest :
several kilometres away at St Michel de Montaigne, is the
château where the philosopher Montaigne wrote the Essays which
still today inspire the world over. Gurçon boasts the ruins of a
medieval castle and a lake to swim in, while Vélines has the
landscapes and flora of Sardy Gardens. A little further south,
the villages on the far side of the Dordogne River offer -
spectacular landscapes aside - ideal spots for lazing and
relaxing.
As well as the points just mentioned, Montcaret has shops,
services, tradespeople as is outlined in the rubric below. The
excellent wines of the area merit a special mention and there
are plenty of châteaux at which to stop and taste the Bergerac,
Montravel and Haut-Montravel AOC wines produced around
Montcaret.
A variety of clubs and associations are based in Montcaret which
also belongs to several inter-commune syndicates, not to mention
the ‘Pays du Grand Bergeracois’. The village fête takes place
every year on the first Sunday of August.
Montcaret is a thriving, expanding town (1343 inhabitants),
whose development projects (larger school, new housing,
renovation of town centre) and wealth of historical heritage
make it a fine place to live.
Text translated by Pays du Grand Bergeracois (professional translator).
