Located at the junction of the Garonne and Tarn rivers, Moissac is a small commune in the Occitanie region of southern France. It lies on the pilgrimage route that leads to Santiago de Compostela, with its centuries-old abbey a major attraction. Moissac is surrounded by authentic villages and market towns that are nestled amidst peaceful farms and vineyards.
Things to do in Moissac
One of Moissac’s most famous buildings is the Saint-Pierre Abbey, which has a fascinating history dating back to 506 AD. It is particularly renowned for the Romanesque sculptings around the south door of its church, a designated site on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Don’t miss the peaceful cloister with its etched consecration stone.
Elevated views across Moissac can be enjoyed from the Point de vue du Calvaire, which can be reached via a picturesque trail that leads through vineyards or from the reception of the Saint-Pierre Abbey. It is topped by a whitewashed sculpture of the Cross of Calvary and features information panels explaining the sights visible below.
Moissac makes an ideal base for visiting Auvillar, a charming village built atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Garonne River. Ringed by fortified walls, it has a rich history dating back to Roman times and offers magnificent views across the surrounding countryside. Admire the arcaded houses that line the cobblestone Place de la Halle and visit the uniquely-designed circular market hall.
Getting around Moissac
Moissac is around an hour’s drive from Toulouse and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Regular trains connect to the Moissac railway station and buses travel throughout the commune. The centre of Moissac is ideally explored on foot.