Carcassone was our main destination today but the Michelin Guide gave 3 stars to the Abbaye de Fontfroide so we headed there first. It was another late start and we didn't arrive at the abbaye until about 1230am.
Fontfroide is a Cisternian abbey that was founded in 1093 on land belonging to the Viscount de Narbonne. It was very prosperous in the 12C and 13C. It was quiet and beautiful.
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| Cellah!!! (husband's hilarious take on Stellahhh) |
The gardens were exquisite and extensive. We choose not to wander in the "forest."
The drive from Fontfroide to Carcassone was easy. Arrival to the old town is through some relatively ugly sprawl. But the walled old town is lovely. Yes. it's been restored, and is very touristy, but we managed to get away from the (pretty small, really) hordes by getting off the main drag and walking the ramparts. It was also later in the day so many day trippers were gone. We really enjoyed this town.
We had a late lunch (around 4pm) at Le Patio. The food was OK and filled us up.
We wandered all around snapping pictures, doing a (very) little shopping, poking our heads in different doorways, until about 630pm.
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| C'mon woman! is what he's thinking :) |
We left Carcassone and took a wrong turn which lead to a detour through another cute town, I can't remember its name. I loved this colorful bunch of umbrellas strung over the street. We were also glad we insisted on the smaller rental car--streets were tight and narrow!
We got back to Pezenas, parked, and rested a bit before dinner.
It was Monday so many places were still closed. We chose Cafe Brasserie Chez Hansi and eventhough it was kind of late (9pm) and the restaurant was kind of quiet, the food and service were very good. It's not a pretty place, much too bright, but we'd definitely return.
After a slow meander around the town, we settled in for another restful sleep.
Next: Aigues Mortes and the Comarque.
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