Feeling sad that we have to say farewell to Barcelona today - and also Spain! Unfortunately part of our adventure is over! So much to love about Spain - the people, their history, the scenery and sights - plus all things gastronomic!
We drove off about 1030am, heading north to Perpignan - hitting our 5000km mark today! The scenery of the rolling hills surrounding the motorway was highlighted by the political activists displaying their flags, posters and ribbons along every overhead bridge we drove under. The Catalans advocating for independence as well as wanting freedom for political prisoners. Passed the exit to Girona - famous home of a Michelin star restaurant, and on through Figuerese - crossing through the Pyrenees to France. Surprisingly, being Sunday, traffic was consistently heavy, perhaps with people taking advantage of the heat and heading to the various beaches of the Costa Brava.
Raym was particularly keen to visit the Perpignan area, being part of the Languedoc wine district . The city/town itself was very quiet. We drove around the old castle area and the centre then found our way out to the beach, Canet Plage. Lot more activity here! The wide expanse of beach was packed - and water was a great temperature. Markets were just finishing up but restaurants and cafes were busy and the main square on the beach had a massive screen set up in preparation for this evenings big World Cup Final - France v Croatia! People decked out in French gear and carrying flags already.
We had some lunch near the beach before continuing on and fortunately managed to outsmart the GPS, taking ourselves on a terrific scenic route along the coast and inlets. Really picturesque! Once back on the motorway wasn’t far to our stop for the night at Narbonne. Still a city but we are right in the old town staying in an historical old building owned by a young couple who rent out rooms. Very authentic and quite quirky. Another great experience - accentuated by the fact we are in a French town and “the game” is about to begin! Such a quaint town with a canal running through the middle- various lovely bridges. We grabbed a few supplies from a supermarket then soaked up some of the atmosphere as the game began with a beer at one of the many bars set up with screens!
Watched the end of the game in our
little suite, hearing the celebrations around us! Relaxed for a while before wandering off for dinner nearby and the celebrations were well and truly in full swing. Finding a free table at a restaurant wasn’t that easy - and then deciphering the menu was even more fun! But ended up a lovely night. Enjoyed my Gazpacho and grilled fish and made new friends with a lovely young French couple from Narbonne who live in Paris. We were on our way back by 11pm but celebrations did not appear to be abating! A big night ahead for the French !