There was time for a walk through Moissac this morning.

For more about the Abbey:

www.gratisaustralis.com/st-pierre-abbey-moissac/

The old water mill, now an hotel, provided us with an insight to its working as we wandered around it.

On the bridge leading up to the Pont Napoleon, where we had supped the previous night, we came upon this photo attached to its wall. The couple had played a major role in the Moissac underground during WW2.

Pont Napoleon, a small restaurant provided a lovely view of the river.

As the sun set, small birds in their thousands noisily darkened the sky as they appeared from all directions. Lining the river was a line of tall stately trees. What was amazing was the way each tree appeared to be designated to a set group of the birds. As each of the groups arrived at their destination, without slowing, they undertook a sudden rapid dive ground – ward, to disappear within their leafy haven for the night. For a good hour we watched this process, until at last all were settled and peace reigned once more. It was one of the most incredible experiences one could have.

Aged streets lined with buildings that could have told a thousand  stories.

Not just one keyhole, but several could be found within the doors whilst the door knockers and window cover locks were many.

Red bricked buildings often provided their age, as the date was embedded either somewhere within their extremities, or upon the ground outside the door.

The aged St Pierre Abbey’s steeple could just be seen from Gratis, as it overlooked the town.

As an aside, the phone system here can be most frustrating.

The way the phone/internet recharge system works here is quite interesting. The Orange (one of the providers) shop was closed Monday as a result of being open Sunday. To recharge with 5 gig Bob had informed that he was required to go to the tobacco shop since Orange in Moissac didn’t sell that particular package. For the next step he had then to go home in order to upload it on the net because the tobacco shop couldn’t do it for him. The information was all in French and no choice of language available. In frustration, Bob finished up going to the capitainerie where the British overseer spoke French and could help him complete the set up.

It was now time for the next leg of the journey.