Following breakfast, began our day with a tour of the castle city of Carcassonne. Our guide is an archeologist who has researched and written about this ancient city. This city was settled 600 years before Christ, and has had many inhabitants, including the Romans.
Our guide pointed out many interesting facts about the wall and towers, and how some were original to Roman, and other parts were built during the Middle Ages. Proceeded around the inner wall, and eventually went inside to the small town. Stopped at the beautiful gothic cathedral, with its magnificent stained glass windows , sculptures, and lovely chandeliers.
Eventually finished this fascinating tour at a town square that honors the archeologist who basically saved this ancient city. Between him and the towns people who rebelled, the old town was saved from destruction, and restored.
Following some shopping and a lunch of the local specialty, casselout, and of course wine, returned to the bus for our ride to Lourdes. Special treat, got to meet Edo’s parents, girlfriend and youngest daughter, as his home is not too far from here.
Drove to the town of Lourdes. Lourdes is famous for the visions of the poor miller’s daughter Bernadette. Bernadette began having these visions in a small grotto with a spring, and continued to have them for several years. People who came and drank from the water sometimes would experience a miracle.
When we checked into our hotel, we could see a procession to the beautiful square with a majestic church and statue of Bernadette.
Took a walking tour of the area around the hotel with Bernadette’s house, square ( very crowded as it is a special festival of the Rosary), and on to the grotto, where a mass was being held. Could also see how the church was built directly over the grotto. Quite moving and lovely.
Back to the hotel for a drink with new friends, then off to a delicious dinner with the group.
The evening ended with the moving and beautiful candlelight procession. Edo estimated about 10,000 people made there way around the streets to the church with a talented choir singing . Lovely.
Off to bed, trying to shake this bad cold! Get to sleep in tomorrow as we are not leaving until 10:00. On to the Boudreaux region!