Carcassonne…and a treat!

Tuesday 13th May 2014

Morning....another fabulous view....



We had a little rain shower this morning but nothing to dampen our spirits as we are both really looking forward to going to Carcassonne....another place with memories for us both.

The hedgerows and fields are full of colour at the moment and our journey to Carcassonne  was filled with many ooooohs and ahhhhs at the colours and fantastic views. There are gorgeous red poppies everywhere...we want to stop and photograph them all but that would be far too ridiculous...here’s just a little taster.







 

Both of us remember the old city here at Carcassonne, but not the sprawling jungle that sits around the world heritage site! It is a mass of one way systems designed to keep you well away from the old city and just going round and round the new! We eventually, with the help of trust Tom Tom, navigated our way to the canal basin and found a place to park...deciding that walking into the city would be a far better idea!..so, that’s what we did...after a sneaky coffee and croissant at the nearest cafe...mainly because Billy was desperate for a loo stop...this wild camping is fine until you find yourself on a fairly well used tow path in the morning and no really convenient trees to hide away from walkers, cyclists, runners and fishermen!

The old city is just a stunning as we both remember it, but, because the weather is due to be better tomorrow, we have promised ourselves a stop over here so that we can see it in the sunshine tomorrow...more about that later... Meanwhile, we did have a wander and when the sun emerged, took a few photos...





[caption id="attachment_662" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The city walls are two miles long and have 52 turrets![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_663" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Surveying his kingdom!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_664" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Looking over the rooftops of the 'new town'[/caption]







[caption id="attachment_668" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Walking over the old bridge to the medieval city[/caption]



Time to work off our croissants and lunch with a little cycle down the canal....but, before we can go anywhere, my bike needs tlc...mainly a puncture needs fixing.....we’re not at all surprised that we have a puncture as the pathway yesterday rather rough.

[caption id="attachment_670" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Fixing the puncture[/caption]



Our ride today, we have decided, is the best yet as far as the view go...one minute you are in a deep cutting with trees either side, the next you round a corner and feel as though you are in the Mediterranean...pine trees, sandy coloured banks and cicada’s chirping! The lock houses again are all SO pretty and the far reaching views to the hills take your breath away. We can’t wait to discover more tomorrow.







[caption id="attachment_678" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Trebes….time for refreshments[/caption]





 



[caption id="attachment_681" align="aligncenter" width="427"] There are 4 locks one after the other today and they are manned by the lock keeper in his control tower!!![/caption]

Remember that I said we were stopping here for the night....well...oh my goodness....we have treated ourselves to a spot of B&B...yes, really!! A proper bed, hot shower, running water, breakfast laid on, but....BEST of all...we have a balcony with the most amazing uninterrupted view of the castle ever..... We also have our own private hot tub on the balcony...except it’s not hot...it’s freezing so we won’t be trying that out tonight...BT keeps threatening it but I am definitely putting my foot down!!! I (Billy) am so excited and feel SO spoilt! Oh...and its such a cool place too...we are just off to try their Cassoulet and have a beer...real indulgence!

[caption id="attachment_682" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Sunset views from our balcony[/caption]