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The village of Montaigut was established in the 11th
to 13th centuries. At the time, the region was a crossroads of
Europe and for centuries the scene of small and great conflicts
(think of Vercingetorix and the Romans, or the French comic
strip characters Asterisk and Obelisk). The castle at Montaigut
le Blanc was at one point shared by two brothers, each the
general of a great international army (the Templars and the
Hospitalers) so tiny Montaigut was one of the strategic centres
of Europe.
Today, the town reflects the pattern established in medieval
times – houses of farmers and merchants packed within or near
the ancient walls, clustered around the top of an easily
defended hill. This is Montaigut “le haut.” Below, along the
highway, is Montaigut “le bas.” It is a short (but steep) walk
down to the boulangerie, fromagerie, and charcuterie. Pick up
fresh croissants for breakfast while the coffee brews.
Little Montaigut also has two bar-cafes, a small hotel and a
post office. There is a supermarket 2 kilometres down the road,
and a fair sized town (Champeix) another kilometre on, with
hairdressers, hardware, bank machine, drug stores, internet
café, and more restaurants. It is a short drive to Clermont
Ferrand, a major city with a splendid cathedral, Michelin
restaurants, hypermarkets and sophisticated smaller shops. The
region offers many fairs and local markets throughout the year.
Click here for a Google map of Montaigut le Blanc »
The House ~
The house is about 1,600 square feet (150 square
metres) finished to modern standards. It faces south with
excellent views of the valley or village from all the rooms.
Along with the original family rooms, what were formerly a barn,
hay lofts, and food processing areas are now well-lit, large and
airy spaces for modern living. Meter-thick stone walls mean the
house remains comfortable even in the hottest weather. For cool
seasons, there is radiant heating in the tiled floors of the
main living area, plus two efficient wood-burning stoves.
This rental house would work well for two families (6 to 8
persons) or up to three couples, and the design also offers an
intimate living environment for two. We don't recommend it for
very young children.
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I just wanted to let you know how much my family enjoyed our stay
in Montaigut-le-Blanc at the Maison des Vignerons. The house was
beautiful, as was the location. There were seven of us and we were
all very comfortable in the home. We received the warmest of
welcomes from Francoise.