Carcassonne

From the outside of the walled city

 

 

On the way from Nice we went to Carcassonne which is a walled city extensively restored.  Within the walled area there is the palace and other residences.  It has been restored.  Apparently it is where "Robin Hood Prince of Thieves' was filmed.  Quite an intereting group of buildings.  Of course we were given the 'lecture' about how it was built by the various conquerers through history which is usually very interesting but not at 6pm in the afternoon after a full day of travel!

Biarritz - the beach with the Atlantic Ocean.  In the back ground is the beach house of one of the royals, it is now a hotel.

 

Yesterday we went to Lourdes.  We were supposed to only view but the guide, Julien, took us to visit through all of the Basilica on top of St Bernadette's grotto where the apparitions (all 18) took place.  There were lots of people and lots of shops selling religious souvenirs - big business.  We took a bottle of water each to drink.  Quite an interesting site.

 The enitre bay at Biarritz looking from the lighthouse.

 

Yesterday afternoon we arrived here in Biarritz for a one night stay.  It is an Atlantic Ocean resort town - the high end of town where things are very expensive.  We arrived on Market day and had 2 hours to stroll around.  Pam and I found the chocolate shop and the beach.  I'm not sure that the waves come crashing in on this beach, but that certainly wasn't happening yesterday.  It became cold, wet and windy during the late afternoon, so hope this isn't going to last for too long.

This morning Pam has gone on an extra tour to the Pyrenees and a Funicular ascent.  The scenic drive hangs of a precipice I'm told, so decided to stay at home and catch up on some housekeeping etc.  I am sure she will enjoy it although the weather isn't being as kind as we would have liked.  Apparently we can expect this cooler, wetter weather for a few days.  We have been lucky so far with lovely weather really so should not complain.

Later this morning we set of for Bordeaux for 2 days.  We will be visiting a French Chatuea Estate where will will wine taste.  Pam and I have decided that we are quite fond of Rose.  Last night for dinner we entreated the tour guide to give us Rose instead of a white wine.  We were able to finish the bottle between us before the rest were able to share!  Don't worry we are told that you don't wake up with a head ache as there are no preservatives.  We have been well fed with a dinner at almost every stop included.  These have been three course meals and of course you can't leave any on your plate - that would be considered rude I'm sure.  I'm sure when we get off the plane in Brisbane Pam's husban, Ian, will be able to roll us into the car!!!  Of course at each stop there is gelato and we must try every flavour before we come home.  And the cakes, slices and tarts in the little pattisseries are both cheap and wonderful and they don't skimp on the size of the slice also.  The bread is to die for - crusty and tasty.  Each day we havee to have a baquette with ham and salad with cheese.  Someone has to keep the French economy rolling along and at the moment Pam and I feel that it is our duty.  I hope you folk at home are working hard to keep up the funds for us. 

We checked out some real estate near Avignon and decided that maybe we should never go home.!!!!  Pam's husband didn't send enough money for us to purchase and stay unfortunately!

We have both been well, with no colds, sniffles or headaches fortunately.   Occassionally the old bones get a bit stiff and sore from the long bus drives but apart from that things have been great - touch wood.