Montauban (môNtōbäNˈ) [key], city (1990 pop. 52,278), capital of Tarn-et-Garonne dept., S France, on the Tarn River. It is a commercial and industrial center where aeronautic and electrical equipment, food products, textiles, shoes, and tiles are produced. Founded in 1144, Montauban was a stronghold of the Albigenses in the 13th cent. and of the Huguenots in the 16th cent. It enjoyed prosperity until the time of Louis XIV's religious persecutions (17th cent.). Points of interest include a 14th-century brick bridge over the Tarn and a cathedral (17th–18th cent.), which contains a celebrated painting by Jean Ingres, who was born in Montauban. The city has several army instruction centers.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.