Tarn-et-Garonne

The department is located in the Midi-Pyrénées region and borders the departments of Aveyron, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne and Tarn. The department was created in 1808 during the First French Empire by Napoleon I.

Tarn et Garonne is largely agricultural with densely wooded valleys exuding a restful atmosphere with undulating orchards and sunflowers. The department was created on November 4, 1808 during the First French Empire by a decision of Napoleon I. It was formed out of territories belonging to neighboring areas. More than half of the territory was taken from the Lot (including Montauban and Moissac), over one-third was taken from Haute-Garonne (including Castelsarrasin), and the rest from the department of Lot-et-Garonne, Gers, and Aveyron.

Montauban is the prefecture of the department and is located on the eastern bank of the River Tarn, just prior to it merging with the Garonne River near Mosaic. This city is a centre of art and history in the Midi Pyrnees and is home to some exquisite architecture that dates back several centuries as well as housing some fine museums. The heart of the old town was founded in 1144 around the river and is one of the oldest bastide towns in Southern France and has a 14th century stone bridge which is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in the town. The town is also the birthplace of the painter Jean Dominique Ingres whose works are found in many museums throughout the world and have been compared to the style of paintings produced by Picasso.

The Gorges de l’Aveyron on the east of Montauban are famous in the Tarn et Garonne and as the gorge narrows it darkens even on a sunny day and is a good way to escape from the modern day world.