If the origin of the name of the city is uncertain, in any case it describes the place well. Indeed, Montbard is located on a small mountain that bars the valley of Brenne. Inhabited since Antiquity, the site has known the splendor of the medieval time sheltering in its castle the Dukes of Burgundy. But it was the birth of a certain Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon who made it a famous city. Indeed, the director of the Garden of the King, future museum of natural history of Paris, was born and resided in Montbard. He participated in the economy of the city by installing forges and nurseries. It is therefore in the City of Buffon that you will spend an unforgettable stay. This will be the opportunity to taste the local specialty: the saupiquet montbardois.
And so it is obvious that Montbard celebrates the one who made it prosperous by dedicating to it places to visit impossible to circumvent. The Buffon Museum, classified as a Historic Monument, tells of the research and discoveries of this man, as well as those of another naturalist, Louis Jean-Marie Daubenton. It is therefore a journey to the heart of the natural sciences that awaits you in the castle of Montbard. The Buffon Park, also classified as a Historic Monument, takes you in an exceptional natural setting through fourteen terraces. Built in 1768, the Grand Forge de Buffon will not leave you insensitive. You will be able to admire the skilfully studied architectural work as well as discover the history and the elements of the forge where the cannonballs were flowing.
To stretch your legs, you can opt between hiking in the verdant surroundings of the city or cycling on the towpaths along the Canal de Bourgogne. You can also hang the trails on horseback if you feel like it. You can also play a game of tennis or give yourself a moment of rest on the beaches of the swimming pool and the wellness area. And if you want to have another point of view of Montbard, you have the possibility to rent boats without a license to go sailing on the Burgundy Canal.
The market is held at Montbard every Friday morning in the Place Gambetta from 8am to 1pm.
Montbard gives you an appointment for its big events throughout the year.
In April, it is the fair of wines and regional products that awaits you. An important tasting moment for gourmet and great food lovers.
In June, two events are scheduled. On the one hand, the bike festival that brings together every year many cycling enthusiasts. On the other hand, the festival of jazz delights each time the music lovers fond of concerts.
In July and August, the Grande Forge becomes the scene of nocturnal concerts. In this setting of another time, come listen to your favorite artists who will animate all your summer evenings.
In September, the fair of Montbard opens its doors. Hundreds of exhibitors await you to present you all kinds of local objects and products.
In the summer, you will also find at the end of the afternoon the market of the district of Brenne, opened in July and August.
Vide-Greniers
- On 21 april 2024
- Place Gambetta
- Annual garage sale organised by the Montbard Twinning Committees.
Visite-Atelier : Représenter le Vivant - le Monde Végétal
- From 24 to 26 april 2024
- Rue du Parc Buffon, Tour Saint-Louis, parc Buffon
- Come and discover the plant world in a different way ! After studying a selection of 18th-century prints of plants, you can try your hand at this discipline and develop your sense of observation. You'll also have the chance to discover 2 creative processes for capturing the image of a plant : cyanotype and ecoprint. - Bookings required, ages 5 and upwards
Marché des Producteurs
- On 28 april 2024
- 20 Rue Carnot, Halles du marché
- The Young Farmers are organising their 1st Montbard Farmers' Market at the Halles du Marché on 28 April. - Meat, cheese, honey, snails, beer, wine, flour, liqueur, oil… so many local products to discover from 9am to 6pm. - Refreshments and catering on site. - An event in partnership with the town of Montbard.
Puces de l'Auxois
- On 1 may 2024
- Gymnase Saint Roch, rue Saint Roch, 21500 Montbard, Rue Saint Roch
- Auxois flea market, Wednesday 1 May 2024,7am to 7pm.
The Floor et Conférence Dansée à Montbard
- On 25 may 2024
- Place Marcel Cachin (Repli : Espace Paul Eluard)
- By Compagnie MehDia - This show is part of the Arts et Scènes Côte-d'Or season organised by the Conseil Départemental de la Côte-d'Or. - The dancers tell the story of life on the terraces (the floor). It's here that different people pass, meet, observe, jostle or recognise each other. After the show, the company presents a dance lecture on the history of hip-hop dance, its musical influence and its origins. - Suitable for all ages 6 and up - Duration : 30 min + 30 min dance lecture
Visite à Montbard
- On 10 july 2024
- Place Henri Vincenot
- Visit on the theme of metallurgy, organised by the Montbardois Tourist Office in partnership with the Pays d'art et d'histoire de l'Auxois Morvan. - The town of Montbard is heir to a long tradition of metallurgy and labour, and is home to a particularly important industrial zone. A visit to the working-class districts of Corcelotte and Saint-Philibert will provide an opportunity to explore this industrial history and the development of "Métal'Valley". Duration : 2 hours. - Meet at 2.30pm at the Montbardois Tourist Office (place Henri Vincenot). - Admission : €5 adults / €2.50 under 18s / free under 12s - Please register with the Tourist Office : 03 80 92 53 81
