The best cycling routes around Saint-Paul-D'Espis

The abbey and its cloister, the historic center, the Art Deco buildings, the Napoleon bridge, the towpath, and the Cacor canal bridge are must-sees. Everything can be easily discovered on foot. Moissac is a major stop on the Camino de Santiago thanks to its exceptional heritage, particularly its abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its Romanesque cloister and sculpted tympanum make it an emblematic place for pilgrims from all over the world.

Abbey founded in the mid-7th century. After its affiliation with Cluny in 1047, the abbey was consecrated in 1063. Cloister built at the end of the 11th century (high altar consecrated by Urban II), portal completed between 1115 and 1135, fortifications and cloister arcades in the 13th century. After the troubles of the Hundred Years' War and the looting due to the Wars of Religion, the abbey came under commendatory abbots in the 17th century. After the Revolution, the abbey was bought back as national property and saved by the town hall secretary. The church was returned to worship in 1801 and was restored at the initiative of Viollet-le-Duc in 1847. In 1856, the conventual buildings located on the site of the seminary were destroyed and divided for sale. The repurchase of the plots allowed for the construction of the minor seminary and a chapel between 1860 and 1865. The seminary is built on medieval remains of the abbey, particularly the cistern and the Hall of the Dead, which retains painted decoration from the 14th century.

The abbey and its cloister, the historic center, the Art Deco buildings, the Napoleon bridge, the towpath and the Cacor canal bridge are must-sees. Moissac is a major stop on the routes to Santiago de Compostela thanks to its exceptional heritage, notably its abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its Romanesque cloister and sculpted tympanum make it an emblematic place for pilgrims from all over the world.

On July 29, 1808, Napoleon I arrived in Moissac, crossing the Tarn on a pontoon bridge. Since the Wars of Religion and floods, previous structures had been destroyed, and the perilous crossing was done by ferry. Work began quickly but ceased with the fall of the First Empire (1814). It resumed in 1820, leading to the inauguration of the Marie-Thérèse bridge on December 19, 1824. It was named in honor of the Dauphine, daughter of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, who is said to have laid the keystone of the bridge. It finally became the "Pont Napoléon" in 1859, after Napoleon III's visit to Moissac.

The Pont Cacor is the Canal des 2 mers that passes over the Tarn. With a length of 356 meters and 15 arches, it is the third largest canal bridge in France. Built in 1845, the canal was intended for the transport of goods to Bordeaux. The structure of the bridge, made of Toulouse bricks and white stones from Quercy, symbolizes the meeting of the two waterways and two territories. In addition to being impressive, the Pont Cacor offers a superb view of the Tarn and the orchards of Moissac and Terres des Confluences.

Third longest canal bridge in France, just after those of Briare in the Loiret and Agen in the Lot et Garonne. Built in 1845, its dimensions, the purity of its lines, the harmonious use of Quercy stone and "Toulouse brick" make it a major architectural element of the region and the heritage of France's Waterways.

Are you a fan of bridges? No? It doesn't matter, go see it anyway, it's very beautiful.

A beautiful cycle path runs alongside the Canal Lateral à la Garonne. The route takes you through a bucolic setting along the water's edge.