IN PICTURES. The top 5 of the most beautiful boutiques in Montauban

A merchant city which celebrated its 880th anniversary this year, Montauban can be proud of its heart of the city. Often nestled in private mansions and listed buildings, the businesses are worth visiting if only from a heritage point of view. In this final stretch before Christmas, good news for latecomers: most stores will be open Sunday 22, Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December 2024.

1. The Couderc drugstore

In 144 years, it has become a monument. The Couderc drugstore is an obligatory stopover for passing tourists and discerning Montalban residents. Strolling along Rue de la Résistance, one is inevitably struck by the 19th century storefront and its windows, like a hymn to vintage and the good taste of Jean-Charles Bonnafous who took over this more than centuries-old family business in 2018. Captured by so much of charm, the lay visitor necessarily has some downtime.

In this extremely well-organized bazaar, we find ourselves marveling at hardware objects or smelling Marseille soaps. Body or home fragrances, kitchen utensils, decoration, enameled plates, basketry, old-fashioned games: there is no shortage of gift ideas here. But above all, you have to go to the very back of the store to better appreciate this maze of old shelves. Even more so in the light of the superb glass roof which overlooks the briquette arches.

2. The florist Le Lilas blanc

A carriage entrance topped with moldings, an interior courtyard with a very Art Deco entrance door and railing, a listed fireplace: no doubt, it smells of history. “We are asked to open for heritage days,” smiles Dominique Ius. For four months, the happy new florist at Lilas Blanc has enjoyed retracing the history of this hundred-year-old business at 62 rue de la Résistance.

Not a little proud to follow in the footsteps of the Lurdes family, the merchant has just discovered a Christmas star in wood and wicker made by Gilles Pavan himself. Exhumed from the cellar, it now sits prominently above this beautiful store, which has just been redesigned to optimize the display of flowers and visitor comfort. And with Dominique Ius, each decorative object has a story. “I like to combine the past and the future,” she slips. Trees, wreaths, centerpieces and of course, the essential bouquets are the assurance of a pleasure of giving without making a mistake.

3. The Léonard grocery store

At 15 Place Franklin-Roosevelt, time does not seem to have any influence on the Léonard grocery store. The central pylon extended by arcades, still made of briquettes, gives the place an incredible character. Thomas Gauvillé and Alicia Veron understood this well, they who chose to install stalls and shelves from another century which fit perfectly with the spirit of the place. “It was the old Court of the Aides [le tribunal des finances remonte XVIIe siècle, NDLR] », whispers the manager who has been working for more than three years just a stone's throw from Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral.

“The building is listed like many in the city center and it’s true, people are always amazed by the place. » Chef's advice: you absolutely must go to the cellar side to admire this beautiful vaulted space, kneaded in the briquette. Of course, we don't leave without a good bottle of the Tarn-et-Garonnais wine or a foie gras and other festive preserves.

4. Ready-to-wear and accessories Le Cirque

We love it, its “pretty mess”. It has already been 5 years since Le Cirque has attracted the curiosity of passers-by at 17 Place Franklin-Roosevelt. Both burlesque, classy and vintage, the ready-to-wear and accessories store stands out and surprises. “I wanted to create a real universe to highlight the selection of my pieces which allow them to shine and change from the ordinary. That’s what a circus is: it shines and it’s the show,” comments Arthur Laborie.

Here, the brick and arcades come in white. Which brings this hint of sobriety into a rather flashy setting. Between the hot air balloons and the Nutcrackers, we like to imagine ourselves in this sparkling dress for New Year's Eve. Jewelry and other accessories will make it a unique outfit.

5. Children’s bookstore Le Bateau livre

Spot-wise, she’s spoiled. For three years, Charlotte Dirat has been the captain of the Bateau livre, bookstore at 17 Place Nationale. Behind this beautiful dentiled wooden facade has been hiding, for around forty years, the den of children's literature. From early childhood to support for parenthood, including fabric books, albums, novels, mangas, documentary books or publisher games, we are “supported until adulthood to open the doors of bookstores like The Fox Woman,” says Charlotte Dirat, who will be happy to advise anyone who comes through her door.

This year, the specialist recommends two favorites: “Ce que sera”, by Johanna Schaible and “Mon Globe Terrestrial” by Montalbanaise Pirouette Cacahouète.