Saint-Mont: Hiking, Wine and Monastic History
Accommodation in Saint-Mont
Saint-Mont combines an easy hiking route with wine visits and a history dating back to the 11th century. Between the Saget and Adour valleys, the rocky promontory above the Adour plain, and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Abbey, there are different ways to explore the town. When planning your trip, you can decide whether hiking, wine or historical heritage should take centre stage.
Hiking between valleys and the village promontory
OENORANDO ENTRE VIGNES ET ADOUR is an easy walking route covering 8.3 kilometres. It starts at the Vignerons de Saint-Mont sales outlet at 101 Rue Bernard Tumapaler, where you can park before setting off. The starting point and parking arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check both before you leave.
The route passes through the Saget and Adour valleys before returning to the village promontory. Saint-Mont also has a rocky promontory overlooking the Adour plain. The valleys and the village’s elevated position provide the setting for the hike.
Experience the wine: tastings and events
The Chai des Vignerons de Saint Mont is open to visitors year-round. There, you can learn about appellations, grape varieties, terroirs, châteaux and wine estates. Opening hours and reservation requirements may change; check the details before your visit.
A discovery visit to the Atelier des CĂ©pages introduces you to the art of winemaking and includes a tasting of four wines. This experience combines an introduction to winemaking with a tasting.
The Chai also offers a 1.5-hour visit to France’s only vineyard listed as a historic monument. It includes a tasting of three original blends made from indigenous grape varieties. Unlike the Atelier visit, this option focuses on the vineyard and grape varieties as well as the tasting.
Saint Mont Vignoble en fĂŞte takes place every year on the last weekend of March. The programme includes visits to various wine-growing sites, cellars and wine estates, as well as tastings and wine workshops. Dates and programmes may vary; check the specific event dates before your trip.
The Chai des Vignerons de Saint Mont boutique offers wines, Flocs, Armagnacs, prunes preserved in Armagnac and regional specialities. The selection may change.
Monastic history and wine research
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Abbey was founded in 1050 by the Gascon lord Bernard de Tumapaler on the remains of an earlier oppidum and affiliated with the Order of Cluny. Its foundation links the town’s history to an older layer of settlement and the monastic development of the 11th century.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church is the only surviving evidence of the 11th century in Saint-Mont. A hiking route leads to the summit, where visitors can see the church. Visiting arrangements may change; check in advance.
Wine research is also part of the town’s identity: since 2002, Saint-Mont has been home to France’s first private conservatory for ampelographic research.
Discover more destinations: Bassoues, Saint-Élix-Theux, Arblade-le-Bas, Courrensan, Caussens, Montesquiou, Montpézat, Castelnau-D'auzan
For the broader travel overview: Gers.
