Moissac

The cloister of the Abbaye Saint-Pierre is the masterpiece of Moissac and one of the greatest works of Romanesque art in Europe. Dating from around 1100, the 76 carved capitals on alternating single and double marble columns depict biblical scenes, the lives of the saints, animals, and fantastical creatures. The craftsmanship is extraordinary. The garden in the centre is enclosed and peaceful, and the light changes throughout the day as the sun moves around the colonnade. Allow at least an hour.

The carved semicircular panel above the south portal of the abbey church depicts Christ in Majesty, surrounded by the four Evangelists, the 24 Elders of the Apocalypse, and a profusion of carved figures. The composition is monumental, the carving is precise, and the theological programme is ambitious. Unlike the tympanum at Conques (which depicts the Last Judgement), Moissac's tympanum depicts the vision of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation. The two tympanums, seen together on the same

Moissac sits at the confluence of the Tarn and Garonne rivers, and the Canal de Garonne passes through the town. The towpath along the canal is flat, shaded, and pleasant for an evening walk. The GR65 follows the canal for the first section of the stage out of Moissac, so walking it in the evening is also a preview of tomorrow's path. The water, the plane trees, and the gentle pace of the canal boats create a peaceful atmosphere.

Moissac is the capital of Chasselas, a delicate golden table grape with AOC (protected designation) status. The grapes are harvested in autumn and sold fresh in the markets. If you are walking in September or October, you will see the vineyards laden with clusters and the grapes will be available everywhere. They are sweet, fragrant, and unlike any supermarket grape. The town also celebrates the grape with an annual festival in September. Beyond the grapes, the restaurants in Moissac serve stand

If you have walked from Le Puy, you have now seen the two greatest pilgrimage art sites on Le Chemin du Puy: the tympanum at Conques and the cloister and tympanum at Moissac. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Both date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Both were created specifically for and because of the pilgrimage to Santiago. Standing in these spaces, looking at art that was made to inspire pilgrims 900 years ago, connects you to the deepest history of the Camino tradition. No other route