Saint Martin du Canigou and Back

We got up early Tuesday morning, picked up some supplies at the Pradas market, had breakfast then up into the hills for a hike to the Abbey. It was good to get the steep hike out of the way first thing to avoid the heat. After our visit we got back down to the car, visited Villa Franche de Conflent for lunch then took the long way home through the mountains and north to Carcassonne and home. A big but very satisfying day.

In the Pyrenees

We've gone south and into the mountains to visit a famous Abbey, Saint Martin du Conigou. We stopped by a coastal village on our way called Coulliere.  Staying in a nice hotel in Prades and will hike up to the Abbay tomorrow.

Checking Out The Countryside

Having fun checking out the markets, riding the bikes and visiting the local Abbeys.  In Narbonne today, great city centre, lots to see and learn and had a great lunch. 

Cabrespine - A trip into the Black Mountains

Checked out the Truffles museum in Villeneuve-Minervois then up into the hills for a riverside lunch and a look around Cabrespine, our new favourite village!

A Day By The Water

It gets very hot in this part of France. Finding ways to keep cool is important, shaded parking, keeping the shutters closed on the windows, cycling in the shade and hanging out on the local river or canal.

We did all of those things today on our visit to Le Somail, a small village on the Canal du Midi. Oh yes, another way to keep cool is to visit the bookstore in Le Somail.

Pam's Door Photos

Found these in Aigne and St Pons on our Sunday outing in the hills above Beaufort.

Out and about

Some pics from yesterday and today. It's a beautiful area with lots to do. Trying our best to do it justice.  Getting a bit more adventurous with our French with mixed results. Somehow I ended up with five croissants instead the four I thought I asked for this morning...

We were chatting last night with a local about grape harvesting and he told us white grape picking would start very soon. Well the tractors were busy in the roads this early morning with loads of grapes being hauled to the processing plants. 

Our Home Away From Home

Grape Harvest

Minerve

Minerve

Hey, I've Got One Of These! In their workshop.

Dolman Burial Site

Carcassonne 

Carcassonne Castle and City

Abbey Caunes Minervois