Things to see and do

The local area

Activities - Places to visit - Weekly markets - Events - Restaurants

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

www.stnicolasdelag.online.fr

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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

Les écuries de St. Vincent
Lessons, hacks and horse therapy

Tel. 0563946346
www.ecuries-de-saint-vincent.com

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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

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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

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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

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Restaurants in the area

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