Maison du crieur

The house of the Crier

The Montauban audio-guided tour has you notice the house of the Crier, well known to the people of Montauban. For the older ones, it is a former hotel-restaurant much in vogue in the 1950s; for the younger ones, it is that of the crier.

The carved head that cries out

Its name comes from a carved head, nestled at one of the corners of the house, which seems to cry out with its mouth open. According to oral tradition, it was under this sculpture that the public crier once announced the price of goods and legal announcements. Montauban has brought this practice back into fashion: every Saturday at eleven forty-four, in reference to the year of foundation of the city in 1144, a crier announces the cultural programme of the city.

What there is to see

The house of the Crier intrigues with its carved head at the corner, enigmatic and expressive, which gave it its nickname. It is a delightful detail of the Montauban heritage, linked to a living tradition. If you pass on a Saturday at the end of the morning, listen carefully: you could attend the public crying, perpetuating a custom from the depths of the ages.

Practical information

The house of the Crier is in the historic centre of Montauban. Its carved head can be contemplated freely from the street, at all hours and on the level. The public crying generally takes place on Saturday at the end of the morning, at eleven forty-four.

Where does the name of the house of the Crier come from?

From a carved head at the corner, under which the public crier once announced prices and legal announcements.

When can you hear the crier in Montauban?

On Saturday at eleven forty-four, in reference to the year of foundation of the city, to announce the cultural programme.