Search This Blog

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Moissac

Leaving Valence d'Agen, you'll pass through 5 locks before arriving in Moissac, 17 km away. Market days are Saturday and Sunday. Moissac is another town on the Chemin de Saint Jacques.


At one of the locks, there was a lady selling crepes. This was the first concession we encountered at the locks.


Moissac is a large town.


Before reaching the mooring, there is a bridge that swings to allow boats to pass. If the bridge keeper doesn't see you, honk your horn or get off the boat to wake him up.


Moor on either side of the canal. Mooring is €10--includes water & electricity.


Eglise Saint Jacques is a Catholic Church near the canal.


These metal sculptures were installed all over town. Wish I knew who the artist was.




Moissac is known for its Benedictine Abbey, a Unesco World Heritage Site.


Intricate carving above the entry.


Cloister of the church. We were fortunate that there was a concert the night we were in town. Admission to the cloister is usually 6.50 but because of the concert, entry was free. Plus, we got to hear a concert.


There was a carnival in town. It was a large carnival, complete with rides. This was a fun spot--kids crawled into the balls and rolled around a large pool.


The Tarn River next to Moissac. The Tarn has not been navigable for some time because of the high water level. 


Homage to World War I victims--you'll find these in many French towns.



2018 05 19

Friday, June 29, 2018

Auvillar

We biked 6 km from Valence d'Agen to Auvillar. You can also reach Auvillar from Pommevic, 4 km upstream from Valence d'Agen. Auvillar is known for pottery and quill pens.


Auvillar is designated one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages of France). Villages with fewer than 2000 inhabitants and with at least 2 national heritage sites qualify for membership. The villages pay an annual fee to be a member.

Auvillar is adorable (and I don't think all villages with the designation are worthy of the designation) and it was definitely worth a detour. 


In the center of town, you'll find Le Halle, one of the historic monuments required for the designation. This circular building sits in the center of a triangular square. Le Halle served as a grain processing center.


Covered walkways (cornieres) on the main square.


Auvillar is on the Chemin de Saint Jacques (Camino de Santiago).


You can enter the town through La Tour de l'Horlage, another historic monument. It dates from the 17th century. 


View of Auvillar from one of the arches of the clock tower.


Church of Saint Peter, dating from the 12th century, is another historic monument. 


There is a nice view of the valley near the church.


On the way back to Valence d'Agen, we passed a traditional pigeon house. Pigeon houses were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. The houses were built away from the main water source and were a sign of wealth. They were sometimes used as part of a dowry. Today, some pigeon houses have been converted into gites or guesthouses.



2018 05 19

Thursday, June 28, 2018

L'entracte

We had dinner at L'entracte, 20 rue des Limousins.


Amuse bouche of marinated mushrooms.


Everything was a la carte. Anchois Grille a la Plancha (Grilled Anchovies)--€10.


Moules Gratinee--€10. These were mussels, casino style with bacon and cheese.


Tete de Veau (sweetbreads)--€20. The sauce was overpowering. Reminded me of the sweetbreads at Original Joe's in San Jose but not as good.


Merlu de Ligne Entier (whole hake)--€28.


Belle Cote de Cochon Noir (pork chop)--€24. This was on the dry side.


Gratin de Fraises (strawberries with cream sauce)--€8.


We had a nice bottle of Fleurie.


and a bottle of Minervois.



2018 05 18

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Valence d'Agen

From Agen, it's 25.6 km to Valence d'Agen.


You'll cross the Seoune Aqueduct after 8 km.


You'll pass the Goldfech Nuclear Power Plant. 75% of France's electricity comes from nuclear power.


There are 3 locks and numerous low bridges.


Barguelonne Aqueduct 4 km before reaching Valence d'Agen. Mooring is €7.60 for the night.


One of 3 lavoirs or wash houses in Valence d'Agen. This one is just a short walk from the canal.


Market days are Tuesday and Saturday.




Eglise Notre Dame


The inside of the church is stark.



2018 05 18

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Viva La Plancha

Agen does have a Michelin-starred restaurant--Mariottat. We didn't know when we would arrive in Agen and didn't make a reservation. Unfortunately, they didn't have any tables available at the last minute.

We ended up at Viva La Plancha and I was happy we found it.


Viva La Plancha was filled with locals on their lunch break. It's located at 3 rue Emile Sentini.


We had a bottle of rose--€13.


Amuse bouche of country pate.


There was a Menu Tout Canard--23. It started with foie gras. Yes, this is one serving.


Duck Confit was one option for the main. The other option was grilled duck breast.


One of the options for dessert was chocolate ganache. This was amazing. It was rich and thick.


Gambas (with heads) and fries


Their specialty is steak sliced wafer thin. This is 300 grams (3/4 lbs) for €10. This was a great deal and the beef was incredibly tender. I would go back to Agen just to have this again.



2018 05 18

Monday, June 25, 2018

Agen

After leaving Serignac, there is a series of 4 locks in a row before crossing the Agen Aqueduct. Historic Agen is known for its prunes. The prunes are amazing and I definitely recommend getting some. They are so moist inside.


The Agen Aqueduct prior to arriving in Agen, 12 km from Serignac.


Skate park just outside of Agen


Statue on the banks of the canal prior to arriving in town.


Center of town with statue depicting a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago de Campostela. The scallop shell is a symbol of the route.


Cathedral Saint Caprais was built in the 12th century. It's been designated a World Heritage Site.


The interior is beautiful.


Market days are Wed and Sun mornings. Agen also has a covered market that is open Tue to Sun. In the covered market, we found these sides of beef aging.



2018 05 18