Visuel
Visuel - ©S.pouchard

Moissac, a town rich in history and flavours

Situated between Toulouse and Bordeaux, Moissac is a Town of Art and History with a rich heritage and fascinating history. Crossed by the Tarn and the Garonne Canal, this Occitan town offers an idyllic setting for nature, culture and art lovers.
Along with Auvillar and Lauzerte, Moissac is one of the Grands Sites d'Occitanie. Its main attraction is undoubtedly the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Moissac, one of France's finest examples of Romanesque art. Visitors will marvel at the beauty and serenity of its cloister, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe, and its immense sculpted portal. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela.
As you explore Moissac, you'll discover a town where many eras of history have left their mark. The cobbled streets, half-timbered houses,art deco and historic monuments bear witness to a rich and fascinating past. Chasselas is never far away: you can see it, smell it and taste it!

Une dernière photo de ma visite

Après une journée sous le soleil moissagais, direction la gare SNCF, en haut de la passerelle, c'est l'occasion de prendre une dernière photo des toits de Moissac et de ses 4 clochers.

Chuchoté par Aurore

Must-sees in Moissac

Come and explore this town rich in heritage, where every street corner tells a fascinating story.

Saint-Pierre de Moissac Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela

From the 11th century onwards and its close links with the Church of Cluny, the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Moissac had a considerable influence in south-west France. Subsequently, Moissac became an essential spiritual centre on the Pilgrim 's Way to Santiago de Compostela.

Here, you'll discover a cloister with four galleries adorned with 76 superb capitals, and the tympanum of the abbey church, one of the masterpieces of Romanesque sculpture.

Enter theabbey church, and you'll discover some small sculpted treasures dating from the 15th century: a polychrome stone Pietà, a beautifully crafted Flight into Egypt, and an exceptional walnut wood Entombment, where the life-size figures are strikingly realistic!

Saint Pierre Abbey hides other nuggets within its buildings: the upper room of the bell tower, with its elegant Romanesque architecture, and the Sainte Foy guest house, formerly the abbots' dwelling and now a venue for temporary exhibitions, which houses a chapel with medieval painted decorations, and its interior garden known as the "Patus", a peaceful place inviting you to meditate. Other buildings have been given a new lease of life, such as the former Petit Séminaire, now a cultural centre and media library.

Discover the abbey and cloister

Visuel - Cloître de l’Abbaye de Moissac - © Patrice Thebault GSO

Between the Tarn and the Garonne Canal

Moissac is located at the crossroads of a number of waterway and land routes. The Garonne Canal from Toulouse to the Gironde, the river Tarn and the route to Santiago de Compostela have all played a key role in the town's development.

Moissac has a pretty marina and is also the starting point for trips on the Canal de Garonne, an extension of the Canal du Midi linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Structures such as the Pont-Canal du Cacor, the Moulin de Moissac and the Art DecoUvarium can be seen along the canal and the Tarn.

The canal and the Cacor bridge The "Moissac au fil de l'eau" walk

The Calvaire viewpoint,
a breathtaking view of Moissac

From the panoramic viewpoint of Le Calvaire, enjoy an exceptional view of the whole of Moissac, the surrounding countryside and its fruit trees.
Have fun spotting the town's emblematic monuments: the Moulin du Bidounet, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre, the Hôtel du Moulin de Moissac and the Tarn.
Moissac has been awarded the "Villes et Villages Fleuris" (Towns and Villages in Bloom) label, and offers a colourful and peaceful setting for lovely walks along the river.

I'm off!

Visuel - Moissac, Ville d'Art & d'Histoire | ©S.Pouchard

Moissac's Art Deco district and Uvarium

Art Deco, the architectural style in vogue in the 1930s, flourished in Moissac.

Its development stemmed from a tragic event that shook the town... On the night of 3 to 4 March 1930, part of the Occitanie region was devastated by floods. Moissac was one of the hardest hit, with floodwaters up to 9 metres high destroying a large part of the town: 80% of buildings were damaged.

A number of donors, including Paris and Morocco, have contributed to the town's renewal. Four districts of Moissac were rebuilt in the Art Deco style , as were the quays of the canal.
Its 2 emblematic monuments are the Hall de Paris and the Uvarium kiosk.

The Uvarium was the place to be during the uvals, when the Chasselas grapes were consumed in bunches or as juice. The Uvarium kiosk is now a bar-restaurant with a terrace offeringone of the finest views of the river Tarn.

Armed with a map of the town and its brochure, which you can pick up at the Tourist Office,wander around Moissac and let yourself be surprised by the Art Deco districts.

Art Deco in Moissac The walk

Did you know?

Many of Moissac's street names echo the floods and the donors who helped rebuild the town: rue de l'Inondation, rue des Sauveteurs, rue de Casablanca, rue des donateurs, rue de la Solidarité, rue de Paris...

Moissac is the only place in the world where you'll come across an Uvarium.

Moissac, the forgotten town of the Righteous

Moissac was a Town of the Righteous during the Second World War, a fact often overlooked but of major historical importance.

Moissac, a destination for expertise and tasting

Chasselas and fruit producers

Moissac, the fruit capital of the Tarn-et-Garonne region, is home to the famous Chasselas PDO grape.
Grown on the surrounding hillsides, as well as being a delicious and healthy fruit, the Chasselas offers sumptuous scenery in every season, with its vines stretching as far as the eye can see!
Chasselas takes pride of place at a not-to-be-missed event in Moissac, which takes place every year in mid-September on the banks of the Tarn, at the time of the grape harvest: "Moissac, Fruits et Saveurs".

Chasselas and its producers

Visuel - ©P.Thebaut Grands Sites Occitanie

I go to the market every day in Moissac

From Tuesday to Sunday, go to the covered market in Moissac. If you enjoy eating local produce or simply strolling from stall to stall, this is the market for you.

Every Saturday and Sunday there is also an open-air market in the Place des Récollets. In winter you'll find many producers of kiwi fruit, and in spring asparagus and strawberries. In summer, you'll find melons, peaches and cherries. Finally, in autumn, chasselas, apples and plums, including those from Ente, will be in the limelight.

The markets

Visuel - Marché de Moissac
Sauriez-vous reconnaître ces drôles de grappes ?

Si vous visitez Moissac en hiver, prenez le temps d’admirer ces jolies grappes jaunes odorantes. Aujourd’hui, je ne vais pas vous parler de « Chasselas » mais bien de fleurs… Avez-vous deviné ? Et oui, le mimosa ! Vous les verrez fleurir de janvier à mars aux bords des routes, à travers champs, dans les jardins et sur nos marchés. Que diriez-vous d’en ramener un brin pour réchauffer votre journée ?

Chuchoté par Auriane

Moissac, a town of craftsmen, artists and designers

Moissac is home to a wide range of craftspeople and artists.

Jewellerydesigners , glass-blowers, leatherworkers, framers, painters, enamellers... the list goes on!

Take your time to push open the doors of these workshops or craft shops and exhibition venues, to appreciate local art and discover their talents.

Meet them in the Rue des Arts or in their private studios.

Craftsmanship

Did you know?

Firmin Bouisset, author of the advertising posters for the Petit écolier de LU, the Pierrot de Chocolat Poulain and the little girl from Chocolat Menier, was born in Moissac, at the Moulin du Bidounet. Discover the fascinating and familiar world of this local boy and artist of genius at the Musée Firmin Bouisset in Castelsarrasin.

A thousand and one ways to visit Moissac

There are many ways to visit Moissac: playing games, listening to enthusiastic guides, strolling along the water or the streets...

Guided tours of Moissac

All year round, Moissac's heritage department offers tours of the town's emblematic sites and themes: the Gallo-Roman baths in Saint Martin's church, the abbey's wind chimes, Moissac Ville des Justes, the Art Deco districts...
Every summer, the Tourist Office's guides take you on a tour of the town to discover all its treasures.

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Group visits

Are you planning a seminar, a works council trip or a day out with your club or association?

The Tourist Office's group department organises tailor-made tours of Moissac Abbey and the town centre, plus tastings of local produce.

Your contact: Marina Koess
05 32 09 69 36

Consult the group brochure

Abbaye de Moissac - © CRTL Occitanie
Abbaye de Moissac - © CRTL Occitanie - Abbaye de Moissac - ©S.Pouchard

Baludik, interactive adventures

With Baludik, discover Moissac by solving riddles. It's an activity for the whole family, with friends or on your own, where you'll learn some fascinating anecdotes. Ready for an adventure?

Discover Baludik

Urban walks

Take a stroll around Moissac and discover the waterways and art deco...

Choose my walk

Photo rallies

Go to the Tourist Office to choose the theme of your rally. You'll be guided through the town from enigma to enigma.

See also