Montambert brings together a former priory and a pond landscape whose oldest bodies of water were created in the Middle Ages. Two distinct aspects are therefore central to planning your trip: the architectural history of Saint-Pierre Church and the water landscape shaped by human activity. Also of regional ecological importance are the ZNIEFF Bois de Briffault et Etang Donjon and the Chêne du Tiers, which is several centuries old. The themes range from religious architecture to water management and natural heritage.
Saint-Pierre: church and priory history
The former Saint-Pierre Priory is partially listed as a historic monument. Its church dates from the final quarter of the 11th century. The surviving Romanesque features include the apse, the side apses, the choir and two chapels. The date places the church’s construction in its historical context, while these features provide tangible evidence of its Romanesque fabric. On 13 November 1981, the church, the entrance door and the interior staircase with a straight balustrade were listed.
The Monte Ansberti church of the Priory of Montambert was dedicated to Saint Peter of Antioch. It served as a hospice for the monks of Cluny Abbey travelling to La Charité. The architecture and hospice function offer different points of focus: the surviving features tell the story of the building, while the hospice function recalls the monks’ journeys to La Charité.
Ponds: water management and walking trail
The oldest ponds in Montambert were created by Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages. They were intended to retain and redistribute water, as well as drain land that was once infertile and marshy. In the past, fishing in the ponds provided an additional source of food. Their history thus links water management with the former use of the land.
Fishing is possible at the Tourbière à Montambert. A path goes around the pond and also takes in its peaty extension. At this named location, different ways of enjoying the water landscape sit alongside one another: the circular walk and the opportunity to fish.
Forest and natural heritage
The municipality of Montambert lies within the ZNIEFF Bois de Briffault et Etang Donjon. Its regional significance stems from its forest habitats and ponds, as well as plant species associated with these ecosystems. This ecological perspective adds another way of looking at the landscape to the history of the ponds.
One particular natural landmark is Le Chêne du Tiers in the Buremont state forest. The tree is 12 metres tall, its trunk circumference is 4.40 metres, and it is several centuries old. It is part of the region’s natural heritage and is also considered valuable for biodiversity. Its height, trunk circumference and age describe it from different angles: its measurements show its form, while its age and importance for biodiversity place it within a longer natural history.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Ville-Langy, Sémelay, Saint-Hilaire-Fontaine, Thianges, Pougues-Les-Eaux, Gâcogne, Lormes, Menou
Back to the regional travel overview: Nièvre.
