Not long to go now – off to our next house sit in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland on May 19th. Time is passing quickly.
We ended up borrowing David and Gwen’s car while they were home in England recently, so we’ve had a couple of lovely days out. The first was into the foothills of the Pyrenees, doing a little loop between the two main valleys of this area – the Tet and Tech. Just followed our noses really. Lots of lovely villages along a very windy mountain road. Stopped in La Trinital with its old church and picnic area – beautiful views overlooking local narrow valleys and distant mountains. Then on to St Marsal to the auberge (pub) for lunch. Very yummy. Had an interesting chat to some Belgium bikers who were on their way to Spain. They were obviously also lovers of back roads and adventures. Really nice guys!
Our second day out was into the Corbieres region again. This time to visit another Cathar ruin – Peyrepertuse Castle – and the Gorge De Galamus. Lovely drive up the mountain to the castle car park, found a great little spot for morning tea on the way. The castle is set high on the cliff edge and is quite a climb. It is also set on two levels with a trail and steps in between. We arrived at the lower castle out of breath but it was worth the climb. Lots of high defensive stone walls and different courtyards and buildings on the inside. Mostly in ruins but still able to see where things where and get a hint of their usage. Lovely views from some of the not so tumbled down upper rooms. Next were the very steep steps to the upper castle, again testing our fitness levels. More courtyards and buildings inside. The most impressive was the remains of Chapelle San Jordi perched at the castles highest point. The San Jordi alter is still there and the seating area for the congregation still obvious. Just to sit there and look at the views would be enough – no sermon necessary!!
We then drove to the Gorge De Galamus. Wow! Amazing road cut into the cliff – little passing bays every now and then. Also visited a local “ermitage” built into the cliff face, only accessible down a narrow track, down some stone steps, and through a tunnel. There’s several old stone buildings and caves. One large cave is used as the chapel and another smaller one as a little grotto. Had a picnic lunch nearby before heading home across country, visiting several villages before leaving the mountains behind. Pouring with rain when we got back to Thuir – warm sunny days are still few and far between. The locals are not happy!
Added to our days out there have been many opportunities to socialize. Afternoon tea with Anna – our young English friend who is studying to be a pâtisserie et chocolat cuisinier – a pastry and chocolate chef. Anna spent ages preparing the “goodies” and we had the pleasure – with a few mutual friends – of sampling her wares! We also had friends around for dinner, more for lunch tomorrow, and then there is the normal church get-togethers. Living on a relatively isolated estate in Northern Ireland, collecting wood for the fire, long walks and riding bicycles to get groceries, might be just what we need to increase fitness and decrease weight levels. We can only hope!!
A big hello to everyone!
Love Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Europe, France, House Sits, Thuir, Pyrenees Orientales, Thuir, Pyrenees Orientales (2)- Cathars
- Chappelle San Jordi
- Corbieres
- Gorge de Galamus
- house sit
- La Trinital
- Peyrepertuse Castle
- St Marsal
- wine and food
looks and sounds lovely! Wahoo and thanks God for such blessings! Enjoy you two! Love us xo
Love from us in return xxx
You left way too early, afterwards we had an afternoon party with a local.
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Hi Luc…..are you part of the Belguim bikers on their way to Spain? It was great to meet you all. Glad you got to party on – sorry to have missed it!
Yes, I was …
; > )
It was nice to talk to you as well, have a safe journey.