December 21, 2010 Eymet/Moissac

Today is mostly a travel day. We leave our frosty digs in Marseillette around 10 AM and travel northward towards our destination in Eymet. But there is time to stop and take in a sight along the way. It was suggested to us by our next landlady that we stop and take a look at St. Peter’s Abbey in Moissac. The first thing that strikes us are the whimsical sculptures just in front of the church.

Sculpture, courtyard St. Peter's abbey
I love the way the mother continues knitting while the child beseeches her. I want Sarah to sit on the bench too but unfortunately it is wet.

Modern scupture, Moissac

St. Peter’s Abbey was established in the 7th century under the reign of Clovis II. It continued until the French Revolution, a thousand years of monks praying in these environs. The golden age for the abbey was in the 12th and 13th century. The fabulous tympanum below was carved in the 12th century. There are many scenes from the life of Christ and many bizarre figures suffering the fate of those who sin – like devils taking your soul (through your mouth) as you die and serpents munching on Adam and Eve.

St. Peter's Abbey tympanum
Sarah under the tympanum

Inside there is also a wonderful crucifix from the 12th century. The cross itself is a depiction of the tree of life.

12th century crucifix
Isn’t the wallcovering weird? It looks like something that your grandmother would have as wallpaper. When they were examining the walls during restoration they found the stone painted in this fashion. The whole church is now covered in it.

Now it’s on to Eymet where we find Maison 20, our lodgings for the next few nights. It is warm. There is a washer and a dryer. And there is reliable internet. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a kitchenette, a dining area and a living area. And all for less than we would have spent on a hotel. We are three happy people.
PS No food pictures today. We are still too full from yesterday to eat.

Maison 20, Eymet
Maison 20, Eymet

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