Things to see and do
In St Nicolas de la Grave - Activities - Places to visit - Weekly markets - Events - Restaurants
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
Natur'Equi
Hand-led pony tours at the Plan d'eau in St Nicolas de la Grave, or hacks of 2 hours or half-day (out of season in Auvillar)
Tel: 06 68 16 40 71
http://naturequi.e-monsite.com
Pony-club de l'Escapade
Pony tours and riding lessons for children and adults in the countryside of Moissac
Tel: 05 33 00 98 29
http://www.cheval.moissac82.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
| Bar & Restaurant du Tourisme | ||
| Quality food at exceptionnaly reasonable prices. Auvillar Tel. 05 63 29 20 09 |
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| Lunch | Every day | 12:00 - 14:00 hrs |
| Dinner | Every day | from 19.30 hrs |
| Le Cadillac | ||
| Salads, steaks, pizzas, pasta, regional menus with duck. St Nicolas de la Grave, just opposite us Tel. 05 63 94 88 46 |
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| Lunch | Closed | |
| Dinner | Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | from 19.30 hrs |
| Le Petit Palais | ||
| Nice, small restaurant run by a very friendly couple who speak English. Simple but good food. Auvillar Tel. 05 63 29 13 17 |
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| Lunch | Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 12.00 - 14.00 hrs |
| Dinner | Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | from 19.30 hrs |
| Le Baladin | ||
| Crèperie - Grill - Restaurant with unusual interior decoration and a beautiful terrace . Traditional regional cuisine. Tel. 05 63 39 73 61/ 05 63 29 20 32 |
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| Lunch | Wednesday - Sunday | 12.00 - 14.00 |
| Dinner | Tuesday - Sunday | from 19.00 hrs |
| L’Auberge du Cloitre | ||
| Very nice restaurant in the heart of Moissac, next to the Office de Tourisme 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 |
| L’Auberge de Bardigues | ||
| Fantastic restaurant, 20 mins drive but well worth it! Bardigues Tel. 05 63 39 05 58 www.aubergedebardigues.com |
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| Lunch | Tuesday - Sunday | 12.00 - 14.00 |
| Dinner | Tuesday - Saturday | 19.30 - 21.30 |
| L’Auberge de la Garonne | ||
| Only 5 min drive, very good gastronomic cuisine Boudou Tel. 05 63 04 06 82 |
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| Lunch | Tuesday - Sunday | 12.00 - 14.00 |
| Dinner | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 19.30 - 20.30 |
