Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, between confluence and bastides

Residents and visitors alike will find this a peaceful, pleasant and surprising little commune.
Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave and its castle dominate the Garonne valley, with its sumptuous orchards and crops. Thanks to an ideal climate and generous soil, the fruit is the pride and joy of the growers.
At the foot of Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, the Tarn and Garonne rivers meet, forming an immense body of water that is home to the largest bird sanctuary in the south-west and a nature leisure centre.

Saint Nicolas de la Grave, Tarn-et-Garonne authenticity

Let yourself be surprised by the village of Saint-Nicolas de la Grave

Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave is one of the oldest villages in Tarn-et-Garonne. Just a few kilometres from Moissac and Castelsarrasin, you can stroll through the village and admire its impressive buildings:

Richard the Lionheart's castle and its exciting history: once a castle, it has been a school since the French Revolution, then a post office, a town hall, etc.
The church and its high Toulouse bell tower
The bandstand
The Art-Nouveau market hall, surrounded by two rows of angle iron.

A mysterious tunnel may have linked the Richard the Lionheart castle to Moissac Abbey

It is said that this secret passage was dug at the request of the abbot of Moissac, when the castle of Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave was built in the 12th century.
And why was the castle named after Richard the Lionheart? We'll save that anecdote for your next guided tour of Saint Nicolas!

The Lamothe-Cadillac Museum

The Lamothe-Cadillac Museum recounts the adventurous life of the Gascon who founded the town of Detroit (Michigan) and gave his name to the famous car.

For some brain-teasing and family fun, the Cadillac museum offers an escape game based on this colourful character, born in Saint Nicolas de la Grave in 1658.

How to get there

The church at Le Moutet

Tucked away between the countryside and the hamlet, the church of Le Moutet is a little treasure with many secrets to tell! Built in the 12th century, it is one of the few mud-brick churches with a half-timbered bell tower that can be visited today. Today, the church of Le Moutet and its brick-walled bell tower, typical of southern Toulouse, are mainly the result of restorations that took place in the 17th century.

Thehistory of Le Moutet is fascinating: from being an autonomous commune with its own jurisdiction to being owned by the Abbey of Moissac, the church became part of a hamlet with its own fort, which has seen a succession of owners over the last 9 centuries. In Occitan, Le Moutet means "little mound" in reference to the ancient motte castrale (fortification built on a mound of earth)!
We'll tell you all about it during the guided tours organised by the Moissac - Terres des Confluences tourist office!

Find out more

The confluence, the bird sanctuary and the Tarn and Garonne leisure centre

Here, the Tarn delicately joins the Garonne to form an exceptional stretch of water, whether seen from above or from the water! If you're a nature lover, you won't want to miss this magnificent spot, where walkers, sports enthusiasts, anglers and birdwatchers all meet.
Theornithological reserve, the largest in Occitanie, is renowned for the diversity of bird species that frequent it.
The leisure centre in the Tarn & Garonne department offers a wide range of water-based activities, including paddling, kayaking, sailing, fishing and hiking, as well as a campsite, playground and all the facilities you need for group travel.

Discover

Many ways to discover the cultural and natural heritage of Saint Nicolas de la Grave

Walks and hikes in Saint Nicolas and at the confluence of the Tarn and Garonne rivers.

Just a stone's throw from Moissac, Saint-Nicolas offers a host of walks and hikes!

The leisure centre and bird sanctuary on foot or by bike
The confluence from the Canal des 2 Mers on the other bank of the Garonne
An urban stroll through the village to discover its heritage

Guided walking and cycling tours

Follow our guides to Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave. There's something for everyone:

Theatrical tour of the heart of the village by the Cadillac
Cycling tour along the confluence of natural and historical heritage
Visit to thechurch of Le Moutet

Visits diary

Visuel - Confluence du Tarn et de la Garonne |© S. Pouchard

A small community, but a big event

Every year, the village hosts major events that attract large numbers of visitors.

The Saint Nicolas Carnival is one of the biggest in the Tarn et Garonne department. It's a great way to take part in the festivities and discover the village from a whole new angle!

The Salicaire plant fair, the Grave en fête festival and the Escape game at the Lamothe Cadillac museum are also not-to-be-missed events that liven up local life.