We had a terrific send off breakfast at Maison Laurent and then we started our day with cooler temps, lots of wind, and overcast skies. We drove north over the Canal du Midi in Bram to Montolieu, known as a city of books. Montolieu is boxed in by rivers on two sides with a bridge built in the 14th century and still in use. We stopped at a tourism office and chatted with a helpful woman, who directed us on to Saissac.
The castle ruins in Saissac were impressive with beautiful views south toward the Pyrenees. We walked around the castle ruins and into the local cathedral, but the wind was piercing through us, so we didn't stay long.
We drove from Saissac along a ridge road toward Castelnaudery, with farms on both sides of the road, lots of sheep grazing and spectacular views of the Pyrenees. We came to the small village of Saint Papoul and walked around the ancient abbey, still in use. We had lunch in Castelnaudery and drove a bit along the Canal du Midi.
In making our circle drive for the day, we drove through the village of Montgeard, not mentioned in any book we've seen, with a gem of a brick cathedral with one of the most intricately painted interiors we've seen.
Then on to Mazeres, another red brick town with a large cathedral and an abandoned abbey. Then through Fanjeaux and Montreal, the most picture perfect hilltop towns we've seen on the trip, to our bed and breakfast for the next three nights, Domaine Caraman.
Domaine Caraman is a B and B on a farm, with the current owners here for 32 years. They are Dutch, William and Marion. The house was built over 200 years ago, in the typical French farm style, with the house and barn attached. About 6 years ago, they converted the barn portion to living space for guests, to supplement their farming income. As we are the only guests, we have a bedroom and bath upstairs with a large living area with fireplace, full kitchen, and dining area to ourselves. The owners have their own home attached. Marion prepared coffee for us when we arrived, and left us with nuts, fruit, and a refrigerator full of snacks. The views from Domaine Caraman are beautiful. We're happy to be in the countryside on a farm for a few days.
The castle ruins in Saissac were impressive with beautiful views south toward the Pyrenees. We walked around the castle ruins and into the local cathedral, but the wind was piercing through us, so we didn't stay long.
In making our circle drive for the day, we drove through the village of Montgeard, not mentioned in any book we've seen, with a gem of a brick cathedral with one of the most intricately painted interiors we've seen.
