Discover the charms of Moissac with my travel guide for families
When I came to Moissac for the first time, I was amazed by the imposing Saint-Pierre Abbey, a real treasure in the heart of Occitania. I remember walking through its cloisters, considered one of the jewels of Romanesque art, and feeling transported to another era. Each column, each capital, tells stories sculpted with a mastery that takes your breath away. As the sun’s rays filtered through the arches, creating an almost magical play of light, I could not help but imagine the monks who, centuries ago, meditated in that same place, surrounded by absolute peace.
But Moissac is not just a journey into the past; it is a place where everyday life takes on a special charm. During my visit, I discovered that on Saturday mornings, the local market is an explosion of colors, aromas and flavors that reflect the best of the French southwest. Fresh produce, lively chatter and a vibrant atmosphere that invites you to be a part of it. And just when I thought I had seen it all, the surroundings of Moissac surprised me with its trails, vineyards and riverside paths, perfect for exploring by bike or on foot. Without a doubt, Moissac is a place that offers one adventure after another, and I’m excited to tell you all about what you can experience here.
ℹ️ Population 14074 inhabitants in 2020. Source INSEE
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Thins to do in Moissac
10 Not-to-be-missed family activities. My Selection
Stroll through the historic centre
The first thing I recommend you to do is to walk around the historic center. It is a real pleasure. With its charming pink buildings, the town invites you to stroll through its boutiques selling local products, relax in its bars and enjoy its rich gastronomy in its restaurants.
There’s nothing like sitting on a terrace overlooking the impressive Saint-Pierre Abbey, enjoying a drink while soaking up the history and tranquility of the place.
NOTE : on Saturday mornings, from 7 am to 1 pm, the open-air farmers’ market is held at Place des Récollets.
You will be amazed at the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Moissac.
A visit to the Abbey of Moissac is not to be missed, it is a trip straight to the heart of history! As soon as you arrive, let yourself be impressed by its imposing Romanesque portal, which is one of the largest and most elaborately sculpted of its time. The feeling of being in front of something truly monumental will immediately invade you.
The abbey, which became one of the most important seigneuries in the southwest of France, has a history that can be felt in every corner, making your visit an unforgettable experience.
The abbey of Saint-Pierre de Moissac has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998, on the French Way of St. James.
You must discover the magic of the Cloisters of Moissac.
When you come to Moissac, you must visit the cloisters of the Abbey of Moissac, considered among the most beautiful in southern Europe. They are one of the largest and best preserved cloisters of the Romanesque period, and I assure you that walking through them is a unique experience.
What will impress you most is the incredible variety and richness of its sculpted decoration. Eight pillars and 76 capitals, each one different from the other, tell stories and legends with a detail that leaves you speechless.
Although the exact date of its foundation remains a mystery, legend has it that it was the Merovingian King Clovis I who had it built. So when you are there, feel part of an ancient history that surrounds you in every corner.
ℹ️ Ticket price 7 € and 5 € from 12 to 17 years old
What I really like is that they organize different types of visits to the cloisters, which are very interesting.
- Torch-lit night tour
- Body Zen
- Concerts
- Movie evening
- Unusual visits
- Escape Game
- The knowledge of the copyist monks
- Fountains and aqueducts
And many more!
✴️ Visit their website for the calendar and more information.
Experience the peace of the wonderful Canal des deux Mers
This canal is incredible. The Canal des dex mers connects two seas, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. It is actually the combination of two historical canals: the Canal du Midi and the Canal de Garonne.
This waterway, which extends for more than 700 kilometers, offers a unique experience, both for those who choose to travel it by boat and for those who prefer to explore it on foot or by bicycle.
From Moissac, you can enjoy a bike ride along its banks, a picnic, surrounded by nature and vineyards, or sail without a license, passing historic locks and picturesque villages.
I recommend that you go to the Cacor Canal.
This construction is also not to be believed. It is an aqueduct of 356 m. that crosses the Tarn and through which runs the Canal des deux Mers.
It was built in 1845 to facilitate the transport of goods to Bordeaux and is one of the three largest canal bridges in France.
It is only 2 km from Moissac. You can go there for a picnic, a bike ride, a walk or just watch the boats go by.
✴️ Free parking is available directly below at the entrance.
Also in Moissac
Explore the surroundings on an all-terrain electric skateboard
Trott’in Quercy is a unique experience that invites you to discover the region in a fun and ecological way: on an all-terrain electric skateboard! Guided by an expert, you will ride along charming paths through forests and fields, adapting the route according to your level and preferences.
There are 17 to 21 km long circuits of up to 2 h of duration.
You can choose from five circuits, some of which will take you to beautiful villages such as Lauzerte or Montaigu de Quercy. In addition, if you feel like it, you can stop at local producers to taste the best of the Tarn-et-Garonne terroir, an adventure in the heart of nature that you can’t miss!
✴️ Prices vary according to the circuit: from 30 to 50€ per person.
ℹ️ Make your reservation online on their website here
Live a Family Aquatic Adventure
Immerse yourself in the aquatic adventure at the Club de Ski Nautique de Moissac. Enjoy a day full of family fun in a unique natural environment. Don’t miss it!
Proposed activities:
- Water donut
- Baby ski
- Water skiing
- Wakeboard
ℹ️ Initiation from 28 €.
660 Chemin de la Rhode, Moissac
Navigate and pedal between History and Nature
Enjoy breathtaking landscapes while immersing yourself in the history and beauty of this region – the perfect getaway to connect with nature and culture at the same time!
- Organization of hikes
- Canoe and kayak rental
- bicycle rental
- Combo Bicycle + Canoë
220, chemin de la Rhode, Moissac
ℹ️ More information and reservations on their website
Beekeeping, Nature and Artisanal Flavors
We love to visit the farms and buy local products. It is there that you get to know the true essence of rural life in France. Here is a little nugget to discover when you come to the region.
La Ferme de la Felicità, a charming family farm. Thibault and Elena, passionate beekeepers and winegrowers, combine traditional and modern techniques such as agroforestry and agroecology.
During your visit, you will be able to see its 200 bee colonies and visit 4 hectares of fruit trees, while you learn about beekeeping and the organic production of honey, fruits and almonds.
At the end, enjoy a delicious tasting of their handmade products, an ideal experience to connect with nature and rural life!
ℹ️ The farm boutique is open every day except Saturday mornings.
✴️ Visits are free of charge and by reservation.
Where to stay in Moissac
Your visit to Moissac may well be worth one or two nights, if not more, if you prefer to enjoy the region more deeply.
I propose 2 unusual lodgings in the middle of the countryside, in a quiet and idyllic location, to enjoy with the family.
Le Cri de la Yourte
This yurt, nestled in a wooded, rural setting, offers a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside, providing a perfect retreat for relaxation and contemplation. The serene atmosphere invites you to enjoy birdsong, relax in a hammock and watch wildlife such as deer in the distance, while at night you can count shooting stars under the yurt’s romantic sky.
This amazing accommodation offers a unique experience with its warm atmosphere, an elevated terrace perfect for enjoying nature, and the proximity of quiet walks along the canal or visits to local farmers’ markets. In addition, breakfast with homemade bread and jams adds a delicious touch to this bubble of tranquility.
ℹ️ Capacity 4 persons
▶️ From 90 € the night 👉 BOOK HERE
A gypsy carriage
This gypsy caravan, which is full of charm, is located on an agricultural property of donkeys and horses, in the middle of the peaceful countryside of Tarn-et-Garonne. This caravan, with a cozy and picturesque atmosphere, is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature.
The hosts, Jean Marie and his team, receive their guests with a warm welcome, standing out for their kindness and attention. The breakfasts, which include fresh bread, croissants and Jean Marie’s famous homemade jams, are a delight that complements the experience. Without a doubt, an ideal place to relax and enjoy an authentic rural atmosphere.
ℹ️ Capacity 3 persons
▶️ from 80 € per night 👉 CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Follow a local’s tips for maximum enjoyment in a restaurant in France Exploring the charming villages of France with your family becomes a journey that goes beyond the simple sight of beautiful landscapes and historical monuments; it is also immersing yourself in a world where…
The Weather in Moissac
The climate in Moissac is oceanic with Mediterranean influences, which gives it mild temperatures during most of the year. Summers are warm, with highs around 28°C, ideal for outdoor activities. Winters are moderately cold, with lows close to 5°C, and rainfall is spread throughout the year, although more frequent in autumn and spring. In general, Moissac enjoys a pleasant climate that allows you to enjoy nature and the local heritage in all seasons.
MOISSAC La MeteoHow to get to Moissac
Your Gateway to France
Starting your holidays in France is a hassle-free process. Most travelers choose to fly, thanks to the many air connections available. France boasts numerous international airports that facilitate arrival from anywhere in the world.
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Nearest airport:
- Toulouse 72 km
Travelling to France by Train: Comfort, Speed and Sustainability
Opting for the train as a means of transport is not only an environmentally responsible choice, but also an unrivalled opportunity to immerse yourself in the European landscapes while travelling quickly and comfortably. Thanks to SNCF’s extensive rail network, you can connect directly to iconic destinations such as Montpellier or Nîmes, directly from Spain, ensuring a hassle-free arrival to the region’s gems.
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Nearest TGV station:
- Toulouse 72 km
The Magic of Driving in France
Once in France, traveling by car has become the preferred option for many. Not only for the convenience it provides, but also for the freedom it gives to marvel at picturesque landscapes and make impromptu stops.
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Additionally, while traveling along the charming French roads, what better company than a good playlist? You can find the special playlist I’ve prepared for you at the end of this page.
Tips for driving in France?
✴️ READ MY EXPERT CHECKLIST FOR A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE DRIVE
From Toulouse to Moissac by coach
I come to Moissac from Toulouse. The trip is easy and takes about an hour.
Take the A62 freeway in the direction of Bordeaux/Agen and follow it until exit 9 at Castelsarrasin/Moissac. From there, just follow the signs to Moissac on the D813 road.
The road is very pleasant, crossing rural landscapes and vineyards, which makes the journey a quiet and picturesque experience.
Achieve maximum immersion
in French culture
Here’s a playlist to listen to while driving these routes
Charming villages near Moissac
Auvillar
Listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, Auvillar is renowned for its picturesque circular square, covered market and clock tower. Set on a hill overlooking the Garonne, the village offers superb views and charming cobbled streets.
Lauzerte
Ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, Lauzerte is a medieval gem perched on a hill. Its main square lined with stone houses, ancient fortifications and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal destination for lovers of history and architecture.
Roquecor
Small and friendly, Roquecor is a charming village surrounded by lush greenery. Known for its calm and panoramic views, it’s the perfect place to stroll through its narrow streets and enjoy the local markets and artisanal products of the region.
Montauban
Montauban, one of the oldest cities in the southwest of France, is known for its rich historical heritage and its charming pink brick architecture, typical of the region. Founded in the 12th century, this fortified town is home to treasures such as the Place National, surrounded by arcades, and the magnificent Old Bridge that crosses the Tarn River. Montauban is also famous for being the birthplace of painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and its museum, housed in a former bishop’s palace, houses many of his works. With its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant cultural life, Montauban is an ideal destination for those wishing to explore the history and art of southwestern France.
The villages near Moissac to visit: The Map
One of the great attractions of travelling to France is the proximity of its many charms.
In each region, there is not only one treasure to discover, but a multitude of them. And all in close proximity to each other.
So, once you’ve explored the particular charm of a village, there is always more waiting for you nearby.
When traveling to France, it’s always good to remember that part of the adventure is veering a little off the main route and discovering those small villages and communities that give the country its very special character.
So, don’t hesitate to add a few extra destinations to your itinerary.
The history of Moissac
A brief introduction
Moissac is a town with a rich history dating back to medieval times, when it developed around the great Abbey of Saint-Pierre. According to legend, it was founded by King Clovis. This Benedictine monastery became one of the most important religious communities in the Western Christian world during the Middle Ages. Among its most remarkable monuments are the cloister and the abbey church, dating from the Romanesque period, with its famous sculpted tympanum.
In the 15th century, Moissac was already a prosperous town on the Quercy, with an active port on the Tarn River, where boats transported local products, especially wine and flour, to Bordeaux. During the 18th century, the river trade reached its peak, which led to the construction of large mansions in the city center.
The French Revolution marked the end of monastic life at Saint-Pierre Abbey and saw the creation of the commune of Moissac. At the end of the 19th century, local viticulture underwent a significant change when the wine vines were transformed into vineyards for the production of chasselas, a type of white grape that gained fame and obtained the AOC appellation in 1971.
In 1930, Moissac was severely affected by floods that destroyed a large part of the city. Subsequent reconstruction considerably changed its appearance. During World War II, Moissac stood out as a refuge for Jewish children, thanks to the protection of the local population and municipal authorities.
Today, Moissac is known as much for its historical heritage as for its production of chasselas, and remains a major tourist destination in the southwest of France.
Dear reader,
This article has been written by me, Diego, who has been living in France for a few years and traveling this beautiful country for many more! And it is inspired by my experiences and the tastes of me and my family.
I love to show you the charming villages of France and all there is to do here and I know that many times the organization of a trip can be complicated. That’s why, through my guides, I try to inspire you and help you in your planning.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and, above all, that it has been useful.
I would love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences related to the content you’ve just read. Comments are an opportunity for us all to share ideas and learn from each other.
So I encourage you to share your thoughts and comments below, your input is valuable and appreciated. I can’t wait to read what you have to say.
Thank you for being part of this community and I look forward to seeing your comments soon!
Warm regards
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