In the Tarn-et-Garonne, 30 minutes from Montauban, Moissac is part of a landscape of hills dominated by orchards and the vineyards producing AOC Chasselas grapes.

The city is crossed by the Tarn River and is home to the Canal de Garonne, an extension of the Canal du Midi that flows to Bordeaux. The latter can be used for holiday boat trips. It flows over the Tarn River on a canalbridge, an astonishing engineering feature that can be admired during a bicycle ride along the 2 Mers bike path.

Moissac is still an important resting-point along the Saint- Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage route (chemin du Puy). Saint-Pierre abbey, a listed world heritage site, bears testimony to this. Its portal is adorned with a monumental tympanum portraying the Last Judgement. This is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Roman sculpture. The abbey also has a fascinating cloister. Consecrated in 1100, it is unique in the world for its fine decoration and the condition in which its 76 capitals have been preserved.

Explore the Moissac area in a vintage car

The Moissac area can now be explored in a vintage 30s car or a 60s convertible, driven by a bilingual chauffeur (French-English). Typical villages, views, curiosities and museums: the tour is available as a half-day, full-day or two-day trip. Programme for the full-day tour: start in the centre of Moissac, heading for the canal-bridge over the Tarn, explore the Chasselas vineyards, visit the unusual hearse museum in Cazes-Mondenard, followed by a meal featuring local specialties. We then take the road heading for the medieval village of Montcuq, followed by a drive to the bastide town of Lauzerte, finally returning to Moissac, stopping off at the de la Vierge view point overlooking the city. All-inclusive fee: €39 for a half-day, €79 for a full day, €149 for 2 days. Phone: +33 (85)5 63 04 01 00. www.tourisme-moissac.fr

Addresses for Chasselas AOC vineyards in Moissac

Chasselas grapes are white grapes and have played a part in the history of Moissac since the start of the 18th century. It was the first fresh fruit to obtain the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) seal of approval in 1971. Its translucent grapes are bursting with copious fresh, sweet juices. Each bunch is picked and sorted by hand. A guide to the Chasselas estates is available from Moissac tourist office, providing useful information and addresses for AOC Chasselas grapes: visit the "Chasselatiers", who will discuss their wine-making methods and offer tastings, eat in the restaurants that work with Chasselas grapes, take a cooking lesson and stay in one of the charming hotels and guest-houses around the AOC Chasselas area, which spreads between the hillsides of Moissac, Quercy Blanc and Montauban.

Lodge de la Madeleine dovecote

In the heights of Moissac, the Lodge de la Madeleine has 3 guest rooms rated with 4 Gîtes de France épis. In this former 17th century residence, guests can choose to stay in the dovecot that has been renovated into a two-room suite (one with a 2x2m bed, the other with a 1x2m bed) and bathroom. The Lodge de la Madeleine is a resting-point along the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage route, providing an idyllic setting with gardens stretching out over 8.5 hectares, a shady terrace with a spa, archery and croquet facilities and an astronomy telescope. Price for two days /one night half-board, drinks at dinner included: €145 for 2 people. €145 for 2 people. Book with Midi-Pyrénées Vacances Loisirs - Phone: +33 (0)5 34 25 05 00.

Further Information

Comité Régional du Tourisme Midi-Pyrénées
54 Bd de l'Embouchure
BP 52166 - 31022 TOULOUSE Cedex 2
www.tourism-midi-pyrenees.co.uk

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