- Visiting the West Coast of Scotland
- This is it!!!
- On the road again
- Back Country – NZ
- NZ update – east coast
- Back Country – very different this time!
- Lake Taupo
- The Coromandel
- Mini-break
- More little adventures – NZ
- Getting out and about again!
- More holidays!!
- A new year of adventures
- The mountain cottage
- Ginny’s visit
- Another visit – Marni and Jodi
- More changes!
- First stop in Canada – Niagara Falls
- Quick visit – Toulouse and Venet les Bains
- Ffald-y-Brenen
- The Cotswolds
- Back in France again!!
- Barcelona
- A much more interesting path – crossing the Irish Sea!
- London to Loxton
- Enniscorthy – a quick visit
- County Donegal
- South Gippsland, Victoria
- Next port of call
- Victorian High Country
- Snowy River Country
- Reindeer Lodge – Tanjil Bren
- Hiccup to Blessing
- Have tent will travel!!
- Family and friends – hugs and kisses
- Road Trip to the West
- Very snail like!
We are safely back in France! Flew from Stansted into Carcassonne for a night – keen to visit its famous old walled town. Walls are from the medieval period, parts of the old town itself date back to Roman times. Stayed in the Hotel Terminus, one of those once grand places with large foyers, beautiful staircases, and wide hallways. Love staying in them – maybe a little faded, but comfy and a bit special. We were right in the middle of the new city – dates back to the middle ages!! – with its lovely square and cafes. Also a 20 minute walk to the old walled town. We enjoyed a great meal at La Cantine du Saint Roch that night. Very friendly staff who were very patient with our very very very basic French.
The next day we walked to the old town and spent hours wandering around its castle and narrow streets. The town sits high on a hill – overlooking the new city and surrounding countryside – great views. Its history is long and bloody, mainly because it was once a frontier town with Spain and also because it provided shelter for the Cathar’s in the 12 century. Our friends David and Gwen picked us up from our hotel late afternoon and dropped us off at Domain Treloar in Trouillas, near Perpignan.
We are staying with Rachel and Jonathon at Domain Treloar to help out with vintage. We’ve had one days picking since we arrived – Reg was out in the vineyard while I minded the cellar door. No customers so didn’t get to use my very basic French – or my now remarkable ability at charades. There are a few people staying and helping with vintage, so a real family feel around the table for meals. Lots of laughter!! We are staying in the main gite/holiday rental on the property. Rachel and Jonathon’s home is built above part of the winery – very handy for keeping a eye on the wine. The buildings are very rustic and full of character.
Last night we went to a special wine tasting event – including a band and giant puppets – in a huge winery in the nearby village of Thuir. Domain Treloar had a stand and Rachel and Jonathon worked really hard showing off their wine. We on the other hand wandered around sampling the regions wares and generally socializing!! Met some lovely people, both French and English. As we were walking out at of the end of the night there was a friendly shout from a passing car – “goodbye Australians.” Nice to be remembered!!
The news of the day is that we have a house sit in Thuir – friends of Rachel and Jonathon’s. Lovely house near the centre of the village. Will have more to report next time.
Love to all
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Europe, France
- amphitheater
- Carcassonne
- castle
- cellar door
- Domain Treloar
- house sit
- Thuir
- tower
- Trouillas
- walled town
- wine tasting
Looks a lot of fun and a wonderful experience. Love reading your adventures. Graham & Carol
I just sent you an email last night to see when you were going back to France and now i read your blog. Looks like you are having a great time. The photo’s are amazing, but i bet it is better in the real. Hope you are having nice weather – its freezing here. Snow on the mountain this morning. Glad you are having a fantastic adventure. Maybe a house sit in NZ next……..
Lots of love and hugs, miss you heaps Tarsh xxxxx
Di
Do have have a private email address? Thanks
Carol Cowling