Montargis, Medieval commune in Centre-Val de Loire, France
Montargis is a commune in the Loiret department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The town extends along the Loing River and Briare Canal, with 131 bridges crossing the waterways that flow through its streets and neighborhoods.
In 1427 French forces successfully defended the town against a siege by the Earl of Warwick during the Hundred Years War. This military success strengthened the position of the region during the long conflict between France and England.
The Museum Girodet in Hotel Durzy displays numerous paintings from the neoclassical period, including works by local artist Anne-Louis Girodet-Trioson. The collection documents the artistic production of the region and offers insight into late eighteenth and early nineteenth century painting.
The town maintains direct train connections to Paris and Orleans, with the journey to the capital taking about one hour. Visitors wanting to explore the numerous bridges and waterways should plan several hours for a walking tour.
During the early 1920s future Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping worked at the Hutchinson rubber factory while studying in the town. The factory was part of a program that brought young Chinese to France to both work and receive an education.
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