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| Montauban port. |
We reached the quiet port of Montauban and stayed for a week enjoying the walks and sights of the town. A lot was happening during that time. It was the final week of the Euro 2016 football tournament, and huge screens were erected in open air spaces for people to come and view the matches. Montauban was also host to a stage of the Tour de France. The shops in the town reflected both these events by decorating their window displays with elaborate relevant objects!
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| Football TV relay at bar in port. |
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| Pont Neuf dating back to 11th century, now decorated with cyclists shirts! |
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| Cool archways around four sides of the Place National. |
The old town has much to offer with its 11th century buildings and churches. Place National was formally the Royal Square, now a busy thoroughfare in which to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by. The Bishops Palace houses a museum dedicated to the artist Ingres, and the church Saint Jacques is highly decorated with much wall, and ceiling, decorations still in place, and many beautiful paintings adorning its walls.
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| Montech mooring. |
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| L'eglise de la Visitation, Montech |
The port gardens, and restored houses and church interior made this small town a pleasure to explore.
In contrast to the sight of the disused paper mill, which looks desolate. As does the water slope alongside the five locks, at Montech. First used in 1974 the slope allowed larger commercial traffic to by-pass the locks, but that also is now defunct. The cost of restoration being debated.
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| Mooring at Saint Porquier. |
Another small village where much care (and money) has been lavished to restore the church and old houses. Here also the community welcome visitors, cyclists and boaters, by creating a well-tended park.
17th July. On an extremely hot day, 35.7C, we make it to Moissac in one leap, passing our friends Serena and Christopher's boat
Celestia moored at Castelsarrasin. We are very tired after the journey as there isnt much shade along this stretch of the canal.
Although we had planned to stay for only a few days we find ourselves extending our visit as there is much to see, and keep us entertained in this small town. Moissac is at a junction between the Canal du Garonne and river Tarn, and again it is possible to cruise a short stretch of the Tarn. The abbey of Saint Pierre being world famous for its cloisters and Roman style cloisters, which dates from early 12th century, draws many visitors. There are 76 marble columns, with alternating single/double and fine carvings. The porch entrance has intricate carvings portraying Christ and Elders of the Apocalypse. Inside the entrance the entire surface is decoratively painted. Sculptures '
Flight from Egypt' and
'mise au tombeau' date from 15thC. This town has the added attraction of being on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela.
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| Moissac, Abbey de Saint Pierre. | |
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We are lucky to get a mooring which has some shade in the afternoons.
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Its a very social port and we make new friends.
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| BBQ at the Capitainerie. |
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| BBQ supper on Bluegum with Lyn & Steve |
During the Second World War over 500 Jewish children were sent to Moissac from all over Europe, so that they could be got safely away over the Pyrenees.
Whenever the Nazi troops searched the town, the children had already been scattered around neighbouring villages. Not one of the children were ever discovered, and all got safely away.
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| Moissac 'Safe House' for Jewish children. |
This garden has children 'hidden' amongst the flower beds, echoing events of past history.
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| Extra solar panels. |
All we need now is for them to put into their correct position and connected up!
