Thursday, July 10, 2014

Time for a Grand Canyon Visit


Well I am thinking about time again ... if it's Thursday we only have four more sleeps in France and Monday night we will be back home in Canada. 

What will we do today Monsieur Honey?

 
You guessed it ... a visit to Minerve!


We drove high above the gorges on the winding road to reach the Cathar village of Minerve.

Facing my fears ... you are all probably well aware of my fear of heights with sweating palms and palpitating heart ...

As the saying goes ... I had to suck it up buttercup.






We strolled through the narrow lanes and ventured down  to the old Remparts ....





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No Monsieur Honey ... I am not going down there ... Go ahead and you can tell me all about it when you come back ...
















Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Postcards from Lagrasse

#PostcardsfromtheLot#Lagrasse#Aude#LesPlusBeauxVillagesdeFrance


Can you see the rain? It didn't rain all day ... only while we were inside enjoying a delicious "menu du jour".

The day started out not promising great weather, actually the whole country of France is experiencing unseasonable, temperamental weather.

You can't do anything about the weather ... so you have to make the most of the circumstances.

After a quick visit with our landlords, Kay and Mark (who own / operate Sainte Hélène Chambre d'hôtes and rent out their amazing "French apartment" in Olonzac) ... we received some suggestions for today's outing and headed to "Lagrasse".

Lagrasse (Aude Dept) a medieval village is located in the valley of the River Orbieu at the foot of the Pyrennes ... it is a member of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" association. 

... "One of the most beautiful villages of France" it dates back to the time when the Abbey was built in the late 700's ... 









It was a day that my camera probably was thinking will she ever stop taking pictures ... so I hope I don't overload you with too many postcards?



                         




The covered Market Hall dates from the 13th and 14th centuries ... 


                  
The Blacksmith shop...


The remaining walls ...

                  
The picture above is of the cemetery within the monastery walls.


The Corbières Wine region ...


Monsieur Honey was ever indulgent and patient today ... Walking with me down the many streets and all the way around the walls of the medieval village.


Nice legs Monsieur Honey! 




Pretty lanes, pretty streets wearing many different coats of colour and some decorated with many pots of flowers ...


Love this stairway full of pots ...


Outside the café after the lunch hour ... this is a favorite of mine ... The colours of the umbrellas with the beautiful twisted plane trees in the background.


Hope you enjoyed travelling with us to Lagrasse and even on a not so perfect weather day ...
It was still a beautiful place to visit.


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Spicy Colours of Market Day

#MarketDay#Olonzac

A day at the Market is a pleasure for all your senses ...

Visually there are many colours,  plenty of sounds of the market vendors and shoppers  interacting, the wonderful aromas of the fresh baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables and the spices plus the fragrance from the soaps and lavender.

Many of the stall vendors offer free samples of their products ... cured sausages, fresh apricots, wines, tapenades, cheeses and olives are just a few examples of today's offers ... which will satisfy your tastes.

Don't forget the sense of touch ... there are luxurious fabrics used in the many items from aprons to bedding to tablecloths. 


                    
Normally by this time in our adventure ... we are "Marketed" out! 

In other words we have been to too many ... but this year's adventure did not provide much time or opportunity to do the "Market" circuit.

Today, I got my "Market" fix ...














Today's market was a large one with many vendors ... farmers, traders and artisans and the village's population swelled as many visitors come from neighbouring towns and villages.

We came home with a basket full of fresh vegetables, sweet & juicy melons, bread, sausages and a sweet dessert treat ... plus I found a deal on an amazing jacquard woven tablecloth.
(Made in France).

Happy! Happy!