Taking a narrow winding road through the countryside. Just a small shower, enough to leave puddles. Today we take the toll road, it will save 2 hours of driving. Even the toll road is scenic. Winding thru the gorges, along the hillsides and thru the tunnels. Landscape without billboards! City of Carcassonne, shopping mall and a McDonald's. Just steps from our hotel we entered the Narbomaise gate way. The castle is protected by two fortified walls with 52 tower. Gauls, Romans, Visigoths, Saracens an Franks have all left their mark on its 2600 year old history. Many tourist filled the narrow streets jotting from shop to shop; everything from toys to furs. Toured the Chateau Comtar. Entered the courtyard then into the main building to watch a film with English captions. Walked along the ramparts, hidden rooms and towers. Visited the La Basilique Saint-Nazaire, featuring its wonderful stain glass windows. Took an afternoon dip in the pool. Then went back to the Place Marcoux (a square surrounded by restaurants). Tried a regional Favorite; Cassoulet - white beans, duck leg and sausage. Needed some Granny's ketup.