Montaigut (called "Montaigut-en-Combraille" until January 1, 2023) is a town in the Puy-de-Dôme department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 25 km south-east of Montluçon.
Bordering the northern department of Allier, its 8 km² territory belongs to the natural and historical region of Combrailles, renowned for its landscapes of bocages, meadows and forests dotted with ponds. This is still the case for the locality, which is mainly covered by meadows (75% of its area), forests and agricultural areas (14%).
The village developed in the Middle Ages, becoming the seat of a powerful castellany with a fortified castle which proved to be a major asset for the Dukes of Bourbon during the Hundred Years War.
Dismantled on the orders of Richelieu in the 17th century, the fortress has nevertheless left a few testimonies in terms of heritage, and the village itself has retained its picturesque medieval character. Thus, logically, Montaigut is labeled nowadays "City of character".
The town, which has nearly 1,000 inhabitants, appeals to history buffs and hikers alike, who will appreciate the bucolic paths through the surrounding countryside.
The village is still dominated by the remains of its fortified castle, even though this one, after it was dismantled, served as a stone quarry. First a fort erected in wood and surrounded by a palisade which was looted and burned in 1171, it had been rebuilt within thick walls protecting the high courtyard formed by the keep and four towers inhabited by the lord and his relatives. The lower courtyard, for its part, was reserved for the population of the village.
The ruins of the keep and the towers, highlighted, remain today an ideal belvedere to admire the countryside of Auvergne and that of Bourbonnais.
The village, for its part, is also dotted with heritage elements attesting to its medieval origins. This is the case of the Montmarault gate originally composed of two towers: only one has survived, which was integrated into the ramparts. We observe that it had a guard post and we can still see the traces of the portcullis that was lowered to "block" the undesirables.
In the village of character, still to be seen, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Bonne-Nouvelle church also placed under the protection of Saint-Illide. The building built from the end of the 12th to the beginning of the 13th century is an example of transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles. Listed in the Inventory, it originally depended on the Benedictine abbey of Menat. Note the pillars and their cords and especially the sculpted mascarons (heads, foliage, etc.) as well as the absence of buttresses usually used to support the warheads. Simple buttresses were preferred here. In addition, the church houses a remarkable statue of the Virgin in gilded wood dating from the 14th century and includes a "lantern of the dead" (where it was customary to light a flame at the top which guided the deceased...).
Still in the village, several dwellings deserve attention: this is the case of the Apothecary's house (13th century), which has a sculpted corner stone representing two characters explaining how to administer medicines. This building, protected as a historical monument, once housed the city's consuls, and you can still see the remains of its molded arches on the ground floor, small carved capitals and a period gable.
A Renaissance-style residence faces it, and rue des boucheries, a door is still surmounted by a sculpted shield depicting a Templar cross...
Finally, there remains the belfry, also listed in the Inventory, to discover. medieval origin, and which is in the form of a square tower which has on its upper part surmounted by a bulbous roof a lantern housing the bell that the consuls once rang. The current bell dates from 1567. Higher than the church, the belfry which was still used during the Second World War as a watchtower symbolizes the civil power acquired by the bourgeois from the 16th century…
We will have it understood, Montaigut did not usurp the label of City of Character!
On the culture side, shows and association events are regularly scheduled in the village hall: contact the town hall on +33 4 73 85 09 09.
Next, for what concerns "nature" leisure, the west of the town and the leisure center around the Montmazot pond. And the Prade plain which neighbors it.
In addition to games for children, there are areas dedicated to fishermen, walking paths and sports fields.
From the base or the village, loops have finally been marked out for hikers. They allow you to appreciate the countryside and the typical landscapes of the Combrailles..., a secure circuit of 24 km is available. Maps and information on +33 4 73 85 80 94 or +33 4 73 85 09 09.
Every Tuesday morning, the market highlights the terroir and gastronomy of Bourbonnais.
The first weekend of May, "Art expo" honors artists from the region.
Third Sunday in June, garage sale.
August 15, feast of the Thresher.
The second weekend of September, patronal feast.
Third Sunday in October, Apple Festival.
