Montaigu

France, France

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Montaigu, now part of Montaigu-Vendée commune in the Vendée department of western France's Pays de la Loire region, originated as a medieval stronghold on a rocky outcrop along the Maine river, with its name deriving from Latin for "sharp mountain."

Founded possibly in Gallo-Roman times and fortified by the 10th century, it grew into a strategic bastion under lords like those of Belleville, featuring a castle, ramparts, and double walls bolstered by King Louis XI in 1473 to counter Breton and Aquitaine threats, complete with artillery-adapted defenses and the Étang Saint-Michel moat.

Dismantled in 1588-1589 by order of Henri III during religious wars per the Treaty of Fleix, today's remnants include Château de Montaigu ruins, the 1864 Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste succeeding a 1241 structure, and sites like Pont de Boisseau, drawing visitors for markets, gardens, and walks amid its crossroads location 50 minutes from Vendée beaches.