I was so inspired to visit this area after reading two books by Kate Mosse. One called "Labryinth" and the other called "Sepulchre" in which they are both based on events in the 10th and 11th centry in the city of Carcassonne. Well, from the time we stepped off the train and caught a taxi to the City where we were dropped off at "the wall" and waited for our shuttle into the city which was a very tiny car that wove it's way through the narrow cobbled streets, we felt like we were really stepping back in time.
Our hotel was a 5-star and we had breakfast in the gardens and our room looked out over the rest of the city as if we were owners of the castle.
Here's how we entered the hotel
We wandered all through the old city and shopped in little places like this heavenly chocolate shop.
Had dinner in the square and watched a replay of the towns people of old, feeling the history encaptured in our minds.
Of course we had to visit the original castle and visit the Donjon (dungeon)
It was such a great two days and we were sad to leave. The sunset was the icing on the cake. Bear in mind this was happening at 10:30 at night.
We packed up and prepared for the shuttle to arrive at the station to find France in the midst of a train strike. France is interesting, even though there's a strike, they must offer at least one service, so were caught the train to Avignon. That was the day we met an Aussie girl, two French lads and a lovely young soldier who helped us with our bags.
Will continue more tomorrow from Avignon and on... Have you read Kate Mosse's books?
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