Carcasonne 29 April

Spending the  day in lovely Carcasonne.

We have a place right next to the lock. Lock opened at 9 am and this boat with Canadian flag was waiting to go through.

In the lock and sinking down to the next level.

We have at last  bought a geranium! In the Rasmus herring box we bought in Stralsund two years ago.

We spent the afternoon at  Carcasonnes most famous attraction, the Medieval city. A summary of information from tourist map: 

The city was occupied 1000 BC. In 1 BC the city was integrated into the Roman Empire. Suffered long periods of occupation at the hands of the Visigoths and Saracens. Integrated into the kingdom of the Francs in the 8th century, it subsequently became the seat of a powerful count.  In the 13 th century Pope Innocent III declared a crusade against the Albigensians ( who ?) . And the history goes on and on,  Raymond Roger Trevcavel, viscount of Carcasonne was imprisoned, in 1355 the Bastide was torched by the Prince of Wales (Charles?), known as the Black Prince. Religious wars followed, production of wooden cloth, good times and bad times, good times returned after the 3 rd Republic thanks to vinticulture and the trades associated with it.

Seems like we are being drawn in to history again!

Photos from our visit to the Medieval city.

Carl on the old Stonebridge and the old city in the background. 

On the stonebridge over river l'Aude. The river is not good for navigation but very important for the vineyards that are dotted all along the Aude.

The impressive wall of the old city and the the Black mountains in the distance.

The entrance to the old city. 

Very impressive wall dimension. 

In between the outher and inner defence walls. 

Where is this road leading?

Carl at the Petit Puits. One of the water wells in the city.

For us it is not enough with a watering well. We also need food 

A lekker salad and perfectly cooked magret de canard and frittes.

The rooftops of the old city seen from the the city wall.

Leslie waving from sharp shooters slit in the wall. 

Which glass is wine and which is water? Had a big of a shock when we opened this bottle from Chateau Auzias. Turns out the is a wine from this area, excellent with seafood or just as an aperitif. Beautiful etiquette, with painting of the Medieval City. "Indication Geographique Protégée de la Cite de Carcasonne."

Evening meal in the nearest pizzeria, disco lights and all!