Wednesday October 12, Castres
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| Living the dream! |
From Villefranche we climbed back up into the higher grounds of the Massif Central enjoying the rolling countryside with groves of oak trees and everywhere old stone farm buildings that are still in use today. It was slightly overcast but very pleasant temperatures.
Arrived at the bottom of the old hilltop town of Cordes sur Ciel, found a parking space but when we realised what a steep climb it was to the top, gave it a miss and enjoyed a coffee and a treat at a small boulangerie in the village.
Continued on our drive south, avoiding the large town of Albi and passing through arable farmland. This time of the year all the crops have been harvested and everywhere are ploughed fields waiting for the rain before planting.
Arrived at Castres soon after 1pm, and as we couldn’t access the apartment until 3pm, checked it out and found some parking in front of the building. We knew that we needed to use paid parking while we were here and pleasantly surprised that it was only €5.80 for 24 hours. Set off by foot to the town, which really was only around the corner and found a wonderful café with outdoor seating overlooking the Tarn River, a perfect place to relax on a warm sunny afternoon. We do enjoy having their blackboard menu of the Plat du Jour, and I chose the “Lamelles de Seiche a la Provencale” which translate into pieces of cuttlefish in a Mediterranean sauce. What a good call, it was so tender and delicious. Ian enjoyed the chicken dish in a barbecue sauce which he rated as one of the best he has had. We just had to have one of the desserts, although no Tiramisu was on the menu today!
Needed to pick up a few supplies and found a “town” supermarket 5 minutes walk away. It was good to walk off our lunch and have a look at the town. After spending time in old medieval villages today was a change, although the houses overlooking the Tarn are still quite old and look amazing reflected in the river. And everywhere there were open air cafes and shops. Town was certainly buzzing.
Today’s apartment is on the first floor with a balcony overlooking quite a busy street but with double glazing the noise is no problem. A more compact unit but having recently been redecorated it is extremely comfortable. Unpacked and after a rest I wandered down to the river again with my camera. All very photogenic. We are booked here for 3 nights, and our plan tomorrow is to drive to Carcassonne, which is about 1 ¼ hours away…if we don’t take the backroads!!!
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| Old stone buildings in small villages. |
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| The hilltop town of Cordes sur
Ciel, although we didn't get to the top!! |
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| Loved this drawing of the houses beside the river at the restaurant where we had lunch. |
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| Today's blackboard menu! |
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| Amazing reflections on the Tarn River. |
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| Spotted these two enjoying their balcony garden. |
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