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Vierge de Monton: A Serene Sentinel Over Auvergne

Majestic Virgin Mary statue overlooking the Auvergne landscape, offering panoramic views and a rich history.

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The Vierge de Monton is a towering statue of the Virgin Mary and Child, standing at 21 meters, overlooking the village of Veyre-Monton in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Erected in 1869, it's a prominent landmark, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into local history and religious significance.

A brief summary to Vierge de Monton

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual pilgrimage on the last weekend of August for a unique cultural experience.
  • Take advantage of the orientation table to identify the surrounding landmarks and enjoy the panoramic views.
  • Explore the Historial to learn about the statue's history, the village, and the story of the German cannon.
  • Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Puy de Marmant for more scenic views.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Veyre-Monton, follow the Chemin de Notre Dame de Monton, a steep road leading uphill towards the statue. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes. There are signs within the village to guide you. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Veyre-Monton is served by the Transdôme bus network, lines 20, 42, and 43. From Clermont-Ferrand, take a bus to Veyre-Monton. From the bus stop in Veyre-Monton, follow the walking directions to reach the Vierge de Monton. A single bus fare is approximately €3.

  • Driving

    From the A75 motorway, the Vierge de Monton is easily visible. Take the exit for Veyre-Monton and follow the signs to the village. Once in Monton, follow signs for the Vierge de Monton. A parking area is available near the statue. Parking is free. Note that the road leading to the statue is steep.

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Discover more about Vierge de Monton

The Vierge de Monton, a monumental statue of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, stands proudly atop the Puy de Monton, near the village of Veyre-Monton. This impressive 21-meter-high statue, one of the tallest in France, has become an iconic symbol of the Auvergne region. Erected in 1869, the Vierge de Monton commemorates a religious mission preached in 1863 by Capuchin friars. Following the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, the statue was envisioned to express the villagers' faith and to atone for the atrocities of the French Revolution. Financed by local subscriptions, the statue remains the property of the inhabitants of Monton, a testament to their enduring devotion. The statue, sculpted by Aristide Belloc from white Beaucaire stone, depicts the crowned Virgin Mary trampling a snake, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The site offers exceptional views of the surrounding landscape, including the Chaîne des Puys, Clermont-Ferrand, and the Forez mountains. An orientation table helps visitors identify the various landmarks. Adding to the site's historical intrigue is a German howitzer, a war trophy from World War I, positioned at the foot of the statue. The gun, cast in Berlin in 1900, was hidden during the German occupation in World War II and later reinstalled. The site also features a small museum, the Historial, which recounts the history of Notre-Dame de Monton, the pilgrimage, the Prussian cannon, and the village itself. Each year, on the last weekend of August, a pilgrimage takes place, drawing many to the site. The festivities include a torchlight procession and a Marian vigil.

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