Our time in Toulouse has flown past. On Friday we had petit déjeuner at a restaurant in the main square which was lovely and very French. Then we set off by car to Carcassone. It is an absolutely beautiful town in two parts; the medieval city on the hill and the town across the river. We walked right round the ramparts, which was about 1.4 km, and explored the castle. The views across the red roofs of the town were so beautiful. There is a great legend about how Carcassonne got its name; after Charlemagne besieged the city the lady of the city, Dame Carcas, fattened up a pig with the last of their supplies of grain and then had it thrown from the castle wall; it landed in front of the attackers and exploded. Charlemagne was convinced by this that the residents must still have plenty of supplies so he gave up the siege. As they rode away Dame Carcas started the city bells ringing in triumph. One of Charlemagne’s knights said the him, “Dame Carcas sonne!” We walked across the bridge to the lower town and then had lunch in a wee square at the top of the hill just under the castle walls; James and Ally had cassoulet which is the local speciality.
Since Friday was Valentine’s Day we encouraged Ally and Cat to go out for a romantic meal in the city by themselves. James and I went to a nearby restaurant which served tapas and had our own wee romantic meal!
The highlight of Saturday was our much anticipated trip to the Airbus factory. James has fancied visiting this for years so he was delighted. I had managed to book us two tours; one of the A400M and a longer tour by bus of the manufacturing area of the A350. We also had plenty of time in the museum and went on the Concorde which was on display.
On Sunday we went for a walk all around the centre of Toulouse and had breakfast at the main square again. It was good to get to know the city better; it is very attractive. We visited the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a prominent Romanesque church, and crossed the Pont St Pierre and the ancient Pont Neuf (well I suppose it was new once!) My favourite place was the Couvent des Jacobins with its gorgeous cloisters and colourful stained glass which made beautiful patterns as the light shone through it on to the pink walls.
Since Friday was Valentine’s Day we encouraged Ally and Cat to go out for a romantic meal in the city by themselves. James and I went to a nearby restaurant which served tapas and had our own wee romantic meal!
The highlight of Saturday was our much anticipated trip to the Airbus factory. James has fancied visiting this for years so he was delighted. I had managed to book us two tours; one of the A400M and a longer tour by bus of the manufacturing area of the A350. We also had plenty of time in the museum and went on the Concorde which was on display.
On Sunday we went for a walk all around the centre of Toulouse and had breakfast at the main square again. It was good to get to know the city better; it is very attractive. We visited the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a prominent Romanesque church, and crossed the Pont St Pierre and the ancient Pont Neuf (well I suppose it was new once!) My favourite place was the Couvent des Jacobins with its gorgeous cloisters and colourful stained glass which made beautiful patterns as the light shone through it on to the pink walls.
No comments:
Post a Comment