Le Pont de Montvert was once one of the strongest Protestant areas and this is where the Camisard uprising started in 1702. The Camisards were French Protestants (Huguenots) who revolted after 20 years of persecutions. Conversions were enforced by Dragoons ( “missionaries in boots”), soldiers dragooned in the homes of Protestants. Protestants were arrested, deported to America, sentenced to the galleys, villages massacred and burnt to the ground. It’s no wonder they finally revolted.

Hostilities began when the Abbot of Chail was assinated in Le Pont de Montvert. The Abbe quickly became the local martyr and informational signs were located on the bridge telling about him and the Camisard uprising along with photos showing that the view of his home hadn’t changed very much in 306 years.

photo of Abbe in Le Pont de Montvert, France

the Abbe’s home then… Le Pont de Montvert, France 

the Abbe’s home now… Le Pont de Montvert, France
The village itself had a lovely 17th century humpback bridge crossing the Tarn, and a clock tower that once served as a toll booth. From now until the conclusion of the Robert Louis Stevenson Walk/Chemin Stevenson, we would be in Le Parc National des Cevennes the largest of the seven French National Parks.

flowers growing on a roof between the slate tiles in Le Pont de Montvert, France 

Sheila enjoying the Tarn River view, Le Pont de Montvert, France 

 

the cutest little Le Pont de Montvert house, France