Things to see and do
Activities - Places to visit - Weekly markets - Events - Restaurants
St Nicolas de la Grave
Chateau Richard Coeur de Lion, St Nicolas de la Grave
Au Château is set in the village of St Nicolas de la Grave, an ancient “Bastide” town, in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France. The village is situated where the rivers Tarn and Garonne meet, 8 km from the historic town of Moissac, 45 minutes North-West of Toulouse, 2 hours from Bordeaux and Carcassonne. The Nicolaïtes are especially proud of Richard the Lionheart’s castle and the Cadillac Museum - dedicated to the villager who founded Detroit city. Most everyday shopping requirements are catered within the village and the weekly Monday market is especially worth a visit.
The Tarn-et-Garonne region is renowned for the pilgrim trail to Compostella. Canal boats often use the picturesque stretches of the “Canal des Deux Mers” to visit the historic towns of Montauban, Agen and Toulouse. The Véloroute, a former towpath running alongside this canal from Bordeaux to Sète, is very popular for walking and cycling tours.
www.stnicolasdelag.online.fr
St Nicolas de la Grave is popular for...
The birth place of Lamothe Cadillac - founder of Detroit and ultimately had the famous car named after him. His house is converted into a very interesting museum which shows life as it was in the 17th century. Every two years the Cadillac car is celebrated by enthusiasts from far and near with a parade of the glorious marque.
Richard the Lionheart’s castle - now the town hall and post office.
The Bar - fronting the tree lined Petanque court where games are played out with lots of growls huffing and puffing, unwanted advice and good natured banter.
The Plan d’Eau - 2 km from the village centre, a 400 acre water park offering, children’s play park, picnic area, boat hire, including pedalos, canoes, speedboats and sailing dinghies at reasonable rates during the summer holidays. There is fishing, bird watching and strolling under pleasant shady trees alongside the banks of the Garonne river. Free car parking available.
Voie Verte - a former tow path along the canal between Bordeaux and Sète, has been restored and now reserved for walkers and cyclists. Car parking is available at the Plan d’Eau
Activities
Golf
Golf d’Espalais (9 holes)
www.golfespalais.com
Golf de Montauban (9 holes)
http://golf-aiguillons.neuf.fr/
Gliding and Power flying
Aéro-Club de Moissac Castelsarrasin
4 minutes from Moissac
http://aerodrome.castelsarrasin.moissac.pagesperso-orange.fr/
Canoes and Kayaks
At St Antonin de Noble Val, in the gorges de l’Aveyron
www.locationcanoe.com
Horse & Pony Riding
L'Oustal Poney
Hand-led pony tours in the countryside of St Nicolas de la Grave
Tel. 06 84 33 95 87
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/oustal.poney/
La ferme equestre Le Grélou
Pony tours and riding lessons for children and adults in the countryside of Moissac.
Tel. 06 87 46 51 78
www.fermeequestremoissac.fr
Places to visit
Cité de l’Espace
Space Centre in Toulouse on over 5 hectares to discover space and the universe. With 3D cinemas, visits of the Mir space station and Ariane 5
www.cite-espace.com
Airbus site
Discover the fascinating world of Airbus at Toulouse airport, with a full scale model of the A380.
www.taxiway.fr
Weekly markets
Take your time to explore the Tarn-and-Garonne and discover the traditions and colours of its local markets:
| Monday: | St Nicolas de la Grave |
| Tuesday: | Valence d’Agen |
| Wednesday: | Montauban and Lauzerte |
| Thursday: | Castelsarrasin |
| Friday: | Lavit de Lomagne |
| Saturday: | Moissac, Montauban |
| Sunday: | Moissac, Auvillar |
Events
Carnaval
Very popular in the region, the carnaval is celebrated for two weekends in February/ March with fun fair and parade through the village.
La Salicaire
Very popular plant faire in St Nicolas de la Grave. Every year, the last Sunday of May and third Sunday of October.
Fête de la musique
Every year on the 21st June France celebrates the beginning of summer with the fête de la musique. Concert of local musicians on the bandstand on the village boulevard and surrounding villages.
14th July - Bastille Day
Evening celebration in the village with “Sardinade” organized by the fire brigade and a big firework display
Vide grenier
Jumble sale 1st Sunday of December
Restaurants in the area
| Le Cadillac | ||
| St. Nicolas de la Grave, just opposite us “Rustic restaurant“, serving salads, steaks, pizzas, pasta, regional menu with duck Tel. 05 63 94 88 46 |
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| Dinner | Friday, Saturday, Sunday In summer also Wednesday & Thursday |
from 19.30 |
| Le Florentin/ Le Bistro | |
| Very good small restaurant in Moissac - opposite the abbey Tel. 05 63 04 19 18 |
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| During the season open every day for lunch and dinner | from 19.30 |
| L’Auberge du Cloitre | ||
| In the heart of Moissac, - very good restaurant, right next to the abbey Tel. 05 63 04 37 50 |
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| Lunch | Tuesday - Sunday | 12.00 - 14.00 |
| Dinner | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 19.00 - 22.00 |
| Le Petit Palais | ||
| Auvillar - very nice small restaurant run by a very friendly couple who speaks English. Tel. 05 63 29 13 17 |
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| Lunch | Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 12.00 - 14.00 |
| Dinner | Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | from 19.30 |
| Bar & Restaurant du Tourisme | ||
| Auvillar - good quality food at exceptional prices Tel. 05 63 29 20 09 |
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| Lunch | Every day | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| Dinner | Every day | from 19.30 |
| Le Baladin | ||
| Auvillar - Crèperie - Grill - Restaurant with unusual interior and a beautiful terrace Tel. 05 63 39 73 61 |
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| Lunch | Wednesday - Sunday | 12.00 - 14.00 |
| Dinner | Tuesday - Sunday | from 19.00 |
| Le Bacchus | ||
| Auvillar - very good, small family run restaurant Tel. 05 63 29 12 20 |
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| Lunch | every day | 12.00 - 13.30 |
| Dinner | every day | from 19.00 |
| L’Auberge de Bardigues | ||
| Bardigues - a 20 minutes drive, but outstanding! Tel. 05 63 39 05 58 www.aubergedebardigues.com |
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| Lunch | Tuesday - Sunday | 12.00 - 14.00 |
| Dinner | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 19.30 - 21.30 |
