Two bells at Église Saint-Pierre both bear the year 1835; a shaded footpath connects the church with the Notre-Dame d’Alet chapel. In Montaigut-sur-Save, different chapters of local history meet hiking and nature activities around the Bouconne forest massif. When planning your visit, it is worth choosing between a visit to the religious buildings, a hike and other outdoor activities.
Église Saint-Pierre and Notre-Dame d’Alet
The oldest parts of Église Saint-Pierre, including the choir and much of the single-nave body, probably date from the 14th and 15th centuries. Three chapels were added in the 17th and 18th centuries. The wall bell tower, built in 1835, has two large bells, each also inscribed with the date 1835. The architectural history and the bells’ inscriptions thus point to different phases in the church’s history.
Notre-Dame d’Alet chapel was built in the 11th century following an apparition of the Virgin Mary. It was destroyed during the Wars of Religion and rebuilt in 1673. Inside are three Baroque altarpieces, sculptures in the Burgundian style and a 17th-century terracotta Pietà. The shaded footpath between the church and the chapel connects the two religious buildings; their histories span the medieval origins of Notre-Dame d’Alet and the later additions to Saint-Pierre.
Hiking and nature in the Forêt de Bouconne
Montaigut-sur-Save is one of the municipalities bordering the Bouconne forest massif, which is listed as a ZNIEFF. The Base de Loisirs de Bouconne is located in the Forêt de Bouconne, within the municipality, and welcomes visitors and groups. It offers hiking trails, an ecology trail, orienteering and guided nature visits. Each activity has its own focus: you can choose a hike or explore nature and navigation in other ways.
The Liaison Montaigut-Daux is a three-hour, yellow-marked hiking trail of moderate difficulty. It starts in Montaigut-sur-Save and ends in Daux. Check the latest route details before setting out. The stated three hours provide a specific time frame for this hike; the Mountain Bike Route No. 5, at four hours, is another way to plan time in the forest.
Mountain Bike Route No. 5 in the Forêt de Bouconne is 19 kilometres long, has a moderate difficulty level and starts at the Base de Loisirs de Bouconne in Montaigut-sur-Save. The route follows easy-to-ride forest tracks, winding paths and a few more technical sections. It is suitable for mountain bikers with an intermediate level of experience. Bicycle rental is available at the base from March to October; check seasonal availability in advance.
Other activities and events
The Écuries d’Abako offers horse and pony rides and outings throughout the year by reservation, for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. Options include one- and two-hour sessions, as well as half- or full-day outings. As reservation and availability information may change, check in advance whether your preferred option is available.
At L’Encrière Végétale’s creative workshops, participants make their own watercolours and natural paints; they also dye and print plant-based colours and motifs onto fabric. The workshops last half a day or a full day and are open to everyone. They offer an alternative to the forest trails and visits to the religious buildings.
The Sav’à Groover festival takes place every year in early June in Montaigut-sur-Save. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the dates in the programme for the relevant year before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Bérat, Auriac-Sur-Vendinelle, Saint-Lary-Boujean, Mondonville, Clermont-Le-Fort, Pompertuzat, Mourvilles-Hautes, Coueilles.
For the wider travel overview: Haute-Garonne.
