Les 400 Coups de Montauban

Les 400 Coups: When Montauban Revisits Its Heroic History

Every second weekend of September, the city of Montauban reconnects with one of the most glorious episodes of its history: the siege of 1621. During this period, Les 400 Coups de Montauban transform the historic center into a vast open-air theater where equestrian shows, falconry, street theater, costumed parades, and medieval entertainment mingle for the greatest pleasure of all audiences.

An Event Born from a Memory of Resistance

In 1621, the Protestant city of Montauban resisted the royal army of Louis XIII, commanded by the Prince of Condé. For three months, from August to November, the city endured a rigorous siege: the royalists fired more than 400 cannon shots at its ramparts without managing to subdue it. The tenacious resistance of the Montauban inhabitants, supported by their faith and their attachment to their liberties, constitutes one of the most remarkable episodes of the Wars of Religion in Southern France.

The name "Les 400 Coups" directly refers to this legendary bombardment. The annual festivities perpetuate the memory of this founding episode in Montauban's identity, combining rigorous historical reenactment with popular festive celebration.

A Weekend of Free Shows for Everyone

The spirit of Les 400 Coups is resolutely popular and family-friendly: all entertainment is offered free of charge, making this event one of the most accessible heritage events in Tarn-et-Garonne.

Equestrian Shows

The highlight of the weekend, the equestrian shows, bring medieval chivalry to life with riders in period costume performing spectacular feats—jousting, carousels, combat reenactments—in the open spaces of the city center. Specialized companies are invited each year to offer high-quality performances.

Falconry

Falconry demonstrations allow visitors to discover this ancient art, classified as intangible heritage by UNESCO. Falconers present their birds—falcons, buzzards, hawks—and perform commented hunting flights that fascinate young and old alike.

Street Theater and Entertainment

Street theater companies roam the old town, offering historical sketches, medieval farces, and interactions with the public. Markets with artisans and craftspeople in period costume recreate the atmosphere of medieval fairs, with stalls of ancient crafts, medieval gastronomy, and workshops for children.

Parades and Costumes

The inhabitants of Montauban are invited to don period costumes and participate in historical parades that wind through the streets of the old town. These processions, which bring together hundreds of participants, are one of the most visually impressive moments of the weekend.

Living Heritage in the Heart of the City

The event takes place in the historic perimeter of Montauban—the heart of the medieval bastide founded in 1144, with its Place Nationale with characteristic arcades and its narrow streets with pink brick architecture. This exceptional setting enhances the immersive experience of the past that the organizers offer.

Les 400 Coups de Montauban has established itself year after year as a model for promoting local heritage through celebration, bringing together families, tourists, and history enthusiasts in a spirit of sharing and conviviality.