May 30, 2012 - Carcassone

Hi Readers, Arrived at Carcassone on Saturday - everything alright. We tried to see the Pont du Gard but it was 18€ to park at the bridge; we went to the river that the Pont du Grad goes over and had a picnic. We wanted to go to the Pont du Gard because Marcel Pagnol use to have his lunch there with his Grandpere. (Marcel is an auther who wrote My Father's Glory which we read in Montferrat.) It is a three tiered Roman built bridge. We've found a lovely lake beach; it doesn't have that many rocks and no dogs allowed. Dogs in France poo...

Aug 8, 2011 - Carcassonne Day 5

ugh the alarm goes off at 6am this morning. We have a 7:30 train to catch back to Paris. I finish packing up my things and take one last look around Simon's sisters old room. It's where we have been staying in the house. Her walls are covered with photos of people from around the world. Shelves and shelves of books. Glow in the dark stars creep up the ceiling and my favorite thing about the room a full length mirror…Simons flat in paris lacks this. I have to wear pants today and cross my fingers that they will still fit after my recent diet...

Aug 7, 2011 - Carcassonne Day 4

My last day in Carcassonne…so sad to see it end. The place is so simple and delightful. It was nice to break away from the cities for a little while. I know i say I want to stay here forever but I know I would grow bored after about one more week. As usual I wake up just in time for lunch. The table is set outside and we begin our meal with an assortment of sausages. His mother informs me of the different kinds and I am a little freaked out. We have goat, duck sausage….okay….and than we have a deep red one. She informs me the red one is...

Aug 6, 2011 - Carcassonne Day 3

Simon counts how many times a day I tell him to shut up. He loves to annoy the crap out of me…when I say 'SHUT UP' his response is 'one' than 'two' and I think we have gotten up to 10 times in one day. He has such a playful demeanor. Big brown eyes, dark black hair and a grin always. His english gets better everyday…he told me yesterday that he is beginning to think in english. Being around me has definitely made him learn more and forced him to think in english 24 hours a day for 2 weeks now. Our meal times usually consist of minor english...

Aug 5, 2011 - Carcassonne Day 2

It's nice to be back in Carcassonne. I love this place. So peaceful and welcoming. I wake up in the morning and I hear no cars or people….well besides Simons parents slamming cabinets in the kitchen downstairs….i hear no people. We are both exhausted and do not wake up until noon. We head down stairs and his mother already has lunch ready. Im siked of course because i know his mother is a great cook. Today on the menu we have duck cooked on the grill, baked egg plant with olive oil, an assortment of cheeses, and homemade peach pie with ice...

Aug 1, 2011 - Carcassonne South of France

After a bumpy 7 hour overnight train ride to the south of France we arrive at 5am to Simon's parents in a small village called Carcassonne. I know only a little about this town from the emails and pictures Simon sent me over the months. I am very excited to actually step foot in it myself this time. Well maybe not too excited at 5am with maybe only 4 hours of sleep. I am nervous about meeting his parents. It's awkward enough meeting someones parents when you speak the same language, but with them not even speaking any english and myself no...

Jul 1, 2011 - Carcassonne

On our way to destination today we stopped off in Carcassonne, and wow what a beautiful place. Again high up on the hill was the 'old city'. Built over the ruins of a former Roman fortress in the 13Th century beside the river Aude. Today the tourists are everywhere but the area is known for wine growing. The 'old city' high on the hill is an amazing and beautiful sight!! We walked up, yes no tourist train for us and entered via an impressive draw bridge and gate. The narrow cobble stone streets are a treat to stroll with every corner...

Oct 1, 2010 - Arles and Carcasonne, France

Went to Arles early in the morning, avoided city traffic and tourist.Saw the Roman Arena and theatre in the ancient city. Then on to Carcassone passed through different landscape that are getting more arid,the closer we get to Carcassone.Carcassone has the best preserved medieval castles/city in Europe.Wondered around the inside walled city most of the afternoon without crowds, very enjoyable. Note: photos to come

Sep 13, 2010 - Carcassonne

When you think of a medieval fortress, what is it you think of first? A large fortified city? Majestic turrets raised high to the sky? A quaint town inside the walls protected by a large moat? Jail cells, secret walkways, and raised lookouts? The old city of Carcassonne is exactly that. It is a well known site with amazing views. The movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner was filmed here. It is this city that is the basis for the board game Carcassonne. It is also the location featured in the book Labyrinth by Kate Moss....

Oct 4, 2009 - Barcelona to Carcassonne

6.30am wake up call - taxi to railway station - early - WOW! On the train to Narbonne I met 4 Aussies and a kiwi guy from Hawkes Bay in the buffet car. Great conversation. Kiwi guy was off to his Aunty's in Beziers - invited me to join him and his 2 travelling companions - shame prebooked in Carcassonne & Avignon. We passed some beautiful coastal scenery. I also met a man from Sth America on the train - interesting conversation - he was heading to Toulousse - assisted me with my bag and gave me some good info - we discussed how we had met...

Oct 9, 2008 - Carcassone Medieval La Cite

A comfortable three hour drive takes us into the Languedoc Roussillon region of France- famous for its castles, wines, and of course Carcassone. A medieval walled fortress with a beautiful Basilique (church), we arrive at the Hotel de Cite. The property is a destination upon itself- where else can you imagine yourself in the role of Kings, Queens and Knights? In the hotel’s gardens children are playing at sword fights, and the hotel built in 1903, offers rooms that are in the tower with medieval décor but fortunately fabulous marble...

Oct 21, 2007 - The walled City of Carcassone

As we continue on our way we find this fortress and end up stopping at Carcassone. The town's history dates back to 12th Century. About 120 people actually live within the fortress walls. There are the usual souvenir things but also displays of local crafts and produce. The streets are so narrow that while we are reading a resturant menu Roz's arm gets hit by the mirror of a passing car.