"Medeival France just a train ride from Paris" Montfort-l'Amaury by fossettes

Montfort-l'Amaury Travel Guide: 5 reviews and 2 photos

A great daytrip from Paris

I'll start by appologizing that I didn't take my camera when we went here. I will be going back soon, so will add pictures then.

Montfort-l'Amaury is a charming medeival town that grew from a hilltop fortification. In 996 the fortifaction was built to protect the Roman road that ran below the hill, connecting Beauvais and Chartres. The village became a fortress with a castle and ramparts. The town was detroyed by the English in the 14th century, leaving only a few wall fragments in tact.

In the 15th century, a Rennaissance château was built on the hilltop. All that remains is a brick and stone tower, with impressive Rennaissance carvings.

Montfort - l'Amaury is quite small and easily walked on foot, although to reach the castle ruins, it's an uphill walk.

When you arrive into town, the first thing you see is an imposing church, Eglise de St: Pierre et St: Paul. It dominates the town center, la Place de la Liberation which has several cafes with outdoor seating. From the curch, you can choose to wander the narrow winding streets with half timbered houses, stroll to the beautiful cloister-like cemetary. or climb the hill to the castle ruins.

Montfort-l'Amaury's most famous resident was Maurice Ravel, who lived here from 1921 until his death in 1937. His home is now a museum. It was here that he composed "Bolero" in 1928.

We went here for dinner one summer evening. The moon was full and after dinner we climbed to the hilltop. There is a lit path and the ruins are floodlit. From the hilltp, there are views of the valley below, including the floodlit church in town.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A charming, old town, worthy of a day trip.
Cons:Way off the beaten path, but worth a look if you have time.

Last visit to Montfort-l'Amaury: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Jun 15, 2003
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Reviews (5)

The whole town is off the beaten path! Off The Beaten Path (1)

Athough this is 40 km outside of Paris, iti s an easy and interesting day trip for those who have been to Paris before... more travel advice

A Unique Cemetary Things to Do (2)

This cemetary is unique because it's walls form an arcade which makes it look more like a cloister than a cemetary. It... more travel advice

The Chateau and Keep Ruins Things to Do (2)

On the top of a hill that is now a public park, the ruins, known as les Tours, are all that remain of an 11th century... more travel advice

In the heart of town Restaurants (1)

Located on the main square, the Place de la Libération, this restaurant / salon de thé is open every day for lunch and... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Getting there by Train or Car

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Comments (2)

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aaaarrgh Feb 3, 2006 at 7:07 AM

Great page. My sister used to live in Montfort and got married here. Great memories. My bruv-in-law never paid for the train, and vaulted the gates at Montparnasse :-)
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aussiedoug Feb 3, 2004 at 8:47 PM

Glad I can be the first to leave a comment for you, my friend, Kelly Anne. Gr8 tips so when you get a chance to add photos this page will be absolutely fantastique. Cest exact!