On Our Last Leg

I can not believe that tomorrow we leave for our last stop on this wonderful French Trip.  The time has gone by so quickly, yet last week in Paris seems like a long time ago as we move forward each day with new adventures.

French food is served beautifully.  You will see that a little balsamic vinegar is served in the form of a treble clef.  Some food is great... some not my favorite.   I am surprised because American French Restaurants are so exceptional.   I think it is more cultural or French palate.

Yesterday we visited the 1st century called Carrcasonne.    They light the walls at night and it is like watching an old crusades  movie.  Be sure to click on the picture to see it more closely.  This is not a castle, but an entire city.    It has a castle and a cathedral inside as well as about 200 cottages.  It started in the first century and was added on to each century well through the 14th century.  In 1855 the city leaders had the forethought to save this for future generations.  It is now one of France's 38 world heritage sights.

This is the walled city of Avignon .  It was the Papel Capitol for over 100+ years.  I don't know how the Vatican let them do it, but they moved the whole thing here during the reign of 9 French Popes.

I guess it is no surprise that there has never been another French Pope since they finally got things back to Rome.  The buildings are very interesting, but stripped of everything you see in the Vatican in Rome.... not intention of going back.   They did find 10 vaults in the 1980's.   They do not tell you what they found, but they were in the floor of the treasury.   The City pays for the buildings... so I guess they get the treasure that was left there.. if there was any?   No one will tell.

They had such a wonderful spice market in Avignon.   You can't believe how wonderful it smells.

My feet are killing me, so we stopped for lunch .  Carol can walk the socks off me, and after walking on round stones for three days, it was time to SIT and enjoy the city.  A nice French wine with lunch is needed.