Vierge de Monton, Religious statue and summit in Veyre-Monton, France

The Vierge de Monton is a white statue standing on a hilltop in Veyre-Monton that rises above the surrounding landscape of Puy-de-Dôme. The monument is made of limestone and offers orientation points from its elevation to identify many places and landmarks visible across the distant terrain.

The monumental statue was erected after a mission preached in 1863 by the Capuchin fathers Flavien and Théodore, who placed their parish work under the Virgin's protection. Financed by public subscription, it was built in white Beaucaire stone by Aristide Belloc and inaugurated on 22 August 1869. When the scaffolding was removed, October winds toppled the timbers and broke off the Virgin's right arm, which the sculptor later remade.

Every last weekend of August since 1869, a pilgrimage starts at the church of Monton and climbs to the statue; a gilded miniature relic is carried up and Mass is celebrated on the puy. The Saturday before, villagers decorate Monton and hold a torchlight vigil. The 150th pilgrimage took place on 25 August 2019.

The site is accessible by a path that leads up to the monument with an orientation table at the top showing key points across the landscape. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather and bring appropriate clothing, as the elevated location means exposure to wind and the elements.

The right arm of the statue broke when the scaffolding was removed: October winds toppled the large wooden pieces, which fell and tore the arm off. The sculptor Aristide Belloc made the arm again afterwards. The stone blocks from Beaucaire had arrived by rail at the station of Les Martres-de-Veyre, then been hauled up by 400 carts.