What a place! La Cite, Carcassonne - hundreds of years of history - a castle like something out of a fairytale, reduced to ruins until the turn of the century, when it was rebuilt, and rejuvenated, and now is a world-wide destination. We took the train from Limoux to spend the day (and it was HOT - 37 degrees or more that day). Our first stop - a canal boat ride - so fun, relaxing, and a great way to start the day. And then a walk through the city itself, gorgeous coloured pennants across the streets, a picnic lunch and a rest....nd then on to the castle, walking through the little village up the hill, and into the gates. Rowan's #1 - to see the knights jousting - and boy did they ever! Everything you'd want to see at a castle, knights in beautiful coloured pennants, magnificent horses, jousting and sword fights - Ro was in seventh heaven! After that, some shopping, and back to our little home in Limoux!
Train station at Carcassonne - a half hour trip from Limoux
At the bottom of the water drain pipes - these curious creatures - I'm sure there's a story there!
You can see the different work that was done restoring the castle throughout the ages - different colour stone, and different work, but all magnificent.
Walking through the city - lots of shopping, another centre place, on the way to La Cite.
All of the knights had their own names, colours - most of these actors were also trick riders, and we were treated to amazing stunts on horseback - very fun!
Walking through the city streets - pedestrians only on this block, thank goodness!
A house of horrors in La Cite - Sarah' 'dying' to go!
Right outside the castle gates, lots of 'touristy' type attractions, including horse and wagon rides.
Jan's chivalrous gateau de bouef - he sure knew how to get the crowds goin'
Rowan in seventh heaven...
The streets inside La Cite have all the original cobblestoning, and walls - it really felt like you had a sense of horses and carriages running up and down the streets, very fun!
Inside La Cite, between the battlements and the village - this was quite a fortress - built to keep out the invaders.
Thank goodness we were under cover for the jousting - so hot that day!
Sarah and Meg's gateau de boeuf.... nice tights..
Walking from Carcassonne to the castle - could see it up on the hill as we walked through beautifully kept gardens, along the river and over the bridges. What a gorgeous place.
Streets leading to the castle
Looking at the exterior of the castle from the road leading to the gates. Again, blue skies, and sunshine.
Entrance gate to the castle
Streets of Carcassonne - notice the pennants above the streets - the colours of the city. And great shopping!
Bob and Rowan up front of the canal boat - Rowan helped our guide tie off the boat as we entered and exited each lock on the canal.
Coming to one of the locks of the canal
Funnest part - rising with the water of the lock, and away we go!
A great way to start the day!
Our usual picnic of baguette, cheese and french beer - then a quick snooze and off we go to La Cite!
Gorgeous scenery along the canal - beautifully kept up - lots of cyclists and runners along the side of the canal -
Streets of Carcassonne - the girls are ready to shop!
And another breathtaking church - in Carcassonne.
Picking up picnic stuff for lunch - the market was huge, and full of fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, olives......
In the Place, Carcassonne - the centre statue
