Montpon, organ capital of Aquitaine
Take advantage of your camping vacation in the Dordogne at La Cigaline to discover Montpon. With 10 superb organs in perfect working order installed in 5 different locations around the town, the charming commune of Montpon-Ménestérol is now known as the organ capital of Aquitaine. If you rent a mobile home in the Dordogne, you can’t fail to admire them.
The origins of Montpon’s organs
It was in 1960, under the impetus of Francis Chapelet, an international organist and native of Montpon, that the church’s first organ was enlarged to accommodate his concerts. He and his father, Roger Chapelet, are the founders of the “Association des Concerts Spirituels”. The two men set up the association to give the people of Montpon access to culture, particularly through music. Today, it is known as the “Association des amis des orgues de Montpon-Ménestérol-Montignac”, and is just a few minutes’ walk from our riverside campsite in the Dordogne.
Montpon Ménestérol’s unique organ collection
Thanks to the will, determination and unfailing dedication of the two men, a veritable organ collection was gradually built up in Montpon. In 1980, the Church acquired an organ from Saint-Mathieu in Colmar, then Francis Chapelet had an auditorium built in his family home. Three other organs now sit alongside the one he had built for his studies. In 2009, an Italian piece was added to the village collection at our campsite with swimming pool in the Dordogne. In 2010, the chapel at Montignac is fitted with a new organ by Didier Chanon. In 2012, Francis Chapelet installed a third Italian organ dating from 1660, one of the oldest in France. The same year, the Vauclaire hospital received the 10th organ in the collection, which now attracts many tourists every year.
Montpon’s musical guided tours
Today, it’s possible to discover these superb instruments on a 2-hour musical tour. Organists from the Association des amis des orgues de Montpon-Ménestérol-Montignac organize the tours. You’ll not only have the pleasure of seeing them, but also of listening to their distinctive sound, as the organs are perfectly maintained and in perfect working order.
Guided tours are free every Thursday at 2 pm in July and August. You can get to the starting point quickly from our inexpensive campsite in the Dordogne. For more information, contact the Montpon tourist office.
