Still not online at the house in Thuir and we no longer have a car to drive to the winery to use Rachel and Jonathon’s internet. But we do have great friends – Jeanette and Phil – who live a couple of streets away and they are letting us use their wi-fi connection. We walk around the corner and either perch on their fence or settle down on the opposite footpath with our laptops on our laps – being true to name I guess!! The locals are getting used to us sitting out in the street and we have the odd ‘limited” conversation with them as they stroll past.
We’ve had another visit to Ville Franche-de-Conflent – the walled village in the Tet Valley about 40mins drive from here. We took friends David and Gwen and had a lovely afternoon wandering the narrow streets and having a coffee in one of the squares. It is a great place to visit and I’m sure it overflows with visitors in the summer months. I never get sick of looking at old stone buildings and cobbled streets – it certainly wasn’t a burden visiting again.
We have also had a day out in Perpignan. Caught the bus to the main train station and walked into the city centre. Visited the Palais des rois de Majorque, a great example of medieval architecture – built in 1276 – with its surrounding mote, bell tower and court yard. Many years ago lions were kept in the moat – no longer filled with water and high enough for them not to escape – and goats – their main source of food – were grazed on the surrounding fields. Yuk!! Don’t even want to think about it! Anyway, we looked at several rooms inside including the original dining room, Great Hall – interesting arched stonework features and window seats – and the King and Queen’s apartments – separated but with a little passageway for noctunal visits. Unfortunately the rooms were not furnished but you still got an idea of their history. There were also two private chapels; one for the King and one for the Queen. The Kings had lovely stars painted on the high vaulted ceiling, leadlight windows, tiled floor and an interesting painted arch mural on the left side of the alter – a bit faded but still visible. There was a guided tour happening in the King’s Chapel so we had to be a bit discrete, tip toeing around to get some photos. The Queens Chapel is considered less grand but I loved it all the more. The entrance was so simple but so beautiful, the floor had an amazing variety of tiles, the alter area was just stunning – so elegant. Gorgeous vaulted ceiling, subtle leadlight windows, soft white stone, more faded painted archways. It was my favourite room by far.
After we left the Palais we walked through the back streets to the Place de la Republique – the main square filled with cafes and shops. It was well and truly lunch time and we were starving. We picked a cafe and just had their special menu of the day. We were not disappointed. Salad, fish and then apple slice. Everything was cooked to perfection with light, subtle sauces that just took things to another level. Obviously a talented chef! Of course this was all washed down with a very nice white wine. After lunch we just kept walking, crossing a lovely canal, visiting the Castillet – the original gate to the city – and Saint Jean Baptiste – a huge cathedral filled with paintings, statues, tombs, a huge main alter and numerous side alters, lots of stained glass and a very high vaulted ceiling. Impressive in its architecture and opulence, but for me nowhere near as wonderful as the Queen’s Chapel we had visited earlier in the day.
Our time in France is nearly up again. Our next destination is Kilkeel – a small fishing village on the south-east coast of Northern Ireland. We have been invited by a lovely lady – Marion – to stay in a cottage for 3 months on the very large Mourne Park Estate. The things you have to do!!!! All looks very beautiful online – worth checking out. We head off on the 19th May, flying into Dublin before catching the bus north.
Much love
Di and Reg
PS Our friends in France now call us Sheila and Cobber!! Proudly representing Australia!!
This entry was posted in Europe, France, House Sits, Thuir, Pyrenees Orientales, Thuir, Pyrenees Orientales (2)- Castillet
- house sit
- Palais des rois de Majorque
- Perpignan
- stained glass
- vaulted ceiling
- Villefranche-de-Conflent
- wine and food
How wonderful! So beautiful! You two look great. Blessings, xo
Blessings back. Hope you had a wonderful birthday xx