A first for our trip - awoke to quite heavy rain! The apartment was still very warm so after brekkie we were keen to get moving, getting caught in a couple of showers between retrieving our car, checking out and visiting the local produce markets. Coffee and pastries were yum then it was back to the motorway for the short drive, only about 45 minutes, to Carcassonne. Despite the gloomy conditions still a lovely landscape - rolling green hills, small villages and plenty of vineyards!
Found our apartment but we couldn’t check in till 3pm so located a parking area near the river and took off for our walk up to medieval city.
Rain seemed to be gone so enjoyed the ascent to the Narbonnaise Gate- the main entrance with its two imposing towers and moat. Wandered through some of the touristy streets, had a baguette and coffee then paid the entrance fee for the Comtal Chateau to really check things out. Proved to be a fabulous few hours and well worthwhile . So much to see and such incredible views from every turn along the ramparts . With 2500 years of history the originally Roman site was occupied by the Visigoths, Saracens and Franks before becoming the formidable fortress it is now. Fascinating! The concert theatre at one end was surely impressive- can’t begin to imagine what a magical atmosphere would prevail ! And the nearby Basilica St Nazare with its beautiful stained glass windows was equally impressive. We strolled back through the old cite and down to our car, then drove around to our apartment. All very spacious and comfy two level set up where we sorted some things, planned and had a rest . Raym had chosen a restaurant back up in the old cite. With the assistance of the girl on reception and google maps we soon
meandered our way along a very narrow steep cobbled lane to an entrance to the fortress then it was an easy walk to “El Plo” where we had a beautiful three course meal. I had roasted Camembert, seared tuna with squid ink linguine and a strawberry tart....delicious! Raym enjoyed his duck liver salad with pate, a cassoulet and ridiculously rich chocolate cake. Another great night.... and a few giggles finding our way back down the narrow pathway - thank goodness for mobile phones!