Montjoi, Tarn-et-Garonne
Montjoi (; ) is a commune in the Tarn-et-Garonne department in the Occitanie region in southern France The inhabitants are called " Montjoviens ". Geography. Situated between the valleys of the Lot and Garonne rivers, Montjoi is an old Bastide village founded in 1256–1257 with half-timbered houses made of Quercy limestone and red brick from the local area, located on a rocky outcrop offering views over the surrounding countryside. See also. Location. The town is located 16 km north-north-east of Valence-d'Agen, in the Quercy blanc region overlooking the Séoune River. It is near the  border with the department of Lot-et-Garonne. Hydrography. Monjoi overlooks the valley of the Séoune. Toponymy. The oldest form is "castri Montis Gaudii in 1255" then Montegaudii in 1272 to become Montis Jovis in 1326, then Montjoye in 1470. Some have seen a compound of the Latin montem (height) and the genitive of gaudium (joy). But in Occitan Montjoi designates a place said to be located on frequented paths. History. Perched on its rocky peak, a former castrum (Latin for Castle), Montjoi was founded in the 13th century by the Lord of Penne and Alphonse de Poitiers, count of  Toulouse, who made it a royal bastide around 1255–1256. In 1287 it was ceded to Edward I of England. In 1337 the Hundred Years' War begins. It ends in 1475 (i.e. 138 years). It passed into the Beauville family in 1348. In 1622 Cardinal Richelieu ordered the destruction of the walls of all bastides. Politics and administration. The Mayor is Christian Eurgal, elected to a 6-year term in 2020. Demographics. The town had more than 700 inhabitants in the middle of the 18th century but has continued to decline to the present 166 in the commune. Economy. The area  economy is mainly agricultural with mixed farming including cereals, livestock, onions, strawberries, fruits, nuts, etc.