As I mentioned in the previous post, the house we rented was in the Languedoc-Roussillion region of France. More precisely, we were in the middle of the Pays du Cathare (Cathar country). The area is known for the many Cathar ruins, many dating back as far as the 1300s. One of the best remaining ruins was a mere 4 miles from our house, Chateaux de Lastours. So, we figured this would be a great way to ease on into our trip. We'll take a ride, check out some ruins/castles, mozy around and then have lunch. Easy peasy. Not so much. The ruins were at the top of a rather high summit which would involve some hiking. We strapped the kidlet into her backpack and away we went. Up, up and up. About 45 minutes later, we finally reached the top and the view was worth the burning legs and sweaty t-shirt.
Next on the agenda, after a lengthy lunch of course, was a visit the town of Minerve. The town was built on top of a skinny peninsula-shaped plateau where the walls of the town were built right up against the drop off into a deep gorge. There was one way into the town, and that was over a rather stunning arched stone bridge. It was pretty striking to see. This would never pass any sort of zoning in the US. Wandered around for a while, and then got a crepe and a coffee. When in Rome, er, Minerve.
Looking out over the ruins. Lastours
View from halfway up. Lastours
I like your hair, Mommy. Lastours
Big cheesin'. Lastours
Hills. Lastours
Rocks and ruins. Lastours
Cave. Lastours
Ruins and trees on the way back down. Lastours
Minerve
Bridge. Minerve
Shop sign. Minerve
Church wall. Minerve
Chateaux Minerve.
Crepe with nutella. Minerve
Crepe and signs. Minerve
Walking along the gorge. Minerve
Heading home. Minerve
Next up: France: Part III - Collioure