We were up at the usual time and out the door about 9:30 toward a little town called Collioure about an hour and a half from Carcassone. Sandy found it on the web. Interesting town. It is right on the Mediterranean Sea and only about 15 km from Spain. It became the mecca for several artists in the late 1800s and early 1900s including Henri Matisse, Andre Derain and Pablo Picasso who were inspired by the town's coastline, royal castle, medieval streets and lighthouse converted into a church. We could tell from the last five minutes of driving into the town that it would be beautiful.
Now we had to find a place to park. Hmmm....to make things worse, the town was having a market (both merchandise and farmer's) so parking was next to impossible. As our luck would have it, after several lots being full, we pulled into one just as one car next to us was leaving. We captured the spot immediately. Credit card wouldn't work in the parking lot kiosk and we only had coins for about two hours. That would have to do for now.
We walked into the city and through the very busy market making our way toward the Office of Tourism. After coming through a large crowd of people and a band setting up, I turned to Sandy and....she was gone. First time that's happened this trip. She went straight while I made a turn. What now? Well, we knew we were making our way toward the Office of Tourism, so I figured I'd meet her there. Sure enough, just outside the Office, Sandy was there. A bit scary for a minute, but probably more for her...I had the money, the credit cards and the passports!
We found an ATM, got Euros, and made our way to a cafe for lunch. Pasta bolognese and a salad. Very good. Sandy shopped while I went back and put more money into the parking kiosk. This time we had a pre-determined place to meet. (smile)
We walked along the roads where they had pictures of paintings by many of the artists and interestingly in a couple of places even had an empty frame where you could see and take a picture of exactly where the artist had placed his easel and painted the scene. Very cool. We walked along the sea wall and up to the lighthouse converted into a church. You can see why the artists liked this place. The rich, deep blue water, the castles, the people on the beach, the beautiful church. Very nice place.
Then we headed back to Carcassone. 10 Euro in tolls each way, but a fast ride. The roads are good here in the South of France. And you travel pretty quickly...130/110/90 kph are common which equal to 81/68/56 mph. Gotta keep an eye out. You never see police, but they change kph without warning. We have "Reduced Speed Ahead" signs. It just goes from 130 down to 110 with one sign. They have radar and picture technology. Who knows, I may get a ticket after I get home!
Back to Carcassone and we explored the castle some more. Sandy seems to like the castle. Did I mention they have a lot of shops in the castle? Had dinner at a cute restaurant with a great waiter...cheeseburger, fries and salad.
Back to the hotel and I swam and Sandy read before facetiming the kids. Sandy went to bed and I blogged. I think with this entry I am officially caught up. Tomorrow we will make one stop on the way to Marseillie. It's called Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer. It's both artistic and Mary Magdalene-ish.
We leave this great hotel at the foot of a castle tomorrow for a Holiday Inn Express in Marseilles...seems like an even trade! (smile)
Been a great three days here in Carcassone. Great hotel, great castle, great sightseeing. I'm heading to bed!
Take care my friends and family!
Dave & Sandy
Collioure
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Carcassonne - Update #9, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Other Entries
-
1Chicago - Paris - Marseille - Aix-in-Provence
Aug 219 days priorAix-en-Provence, Francephoto_camera0videocam 0comment 0 -
2Mary Magdalene, Nostradamus and Lavender
Aug 228 days priorAix-en-Provence, Francephoto_camera22videocam 0comment 0 -
3Petrol, Arles, Van Gogh and Roman Ruins
Aug 246 days priorAix-en-Provence - Update #3, Francephoto_camera11videocam 0comment 2 -
4Torrential Rain, Avignon, Popes and Ponts
Aug 255 days priorAix-en-Provence - Update #4, Francephoto_camera0videocam 0comment 0 -
5Nimes, Roman Ruins and Prehistoric Cave Painting
Aug 264 days priorAix-en-Provence - Update #5, Francephoto_camera0videocam 0comment 1 -
6Cezanne, French Fashions and Reprise
Aug 273 days priorAix-en-Provence - Update #6, Francephoto_camera0videocam 0comment 0 -
7Travel Day, Castle and Best Dinner in France
Aug 282 days priorAix-en-Provence - Update #7, Francephoto_camera0videocam 0comment 0 -
8Great Breakfast, Rennes-le-Chateau, Elegant Dinner
Aug 291 day priorCarcassonne - Update #8, Francephoto_camera0videocam 0comment 0 -
9Collioure
Aug 30Carcassonne - Update #9, Francephoto_camera0videocam 0comment 0 -
10Last Day and Trip Home
Sep 012 days laterBloomington, United Statesphoto_camera0videocam 0comment 4
2025-02-15