Cabrerets Day #3 ……a day trip to Cordes sur Ciel and Albi

France and Spain 2015........a roadtrip with a boat cruise

October 11th

Hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon etc. prepared by yours truly and we are on our way with the sun starting to break through the fog……the day continues to get sunnier as we draw closer to Cordes sur Ciel. The drive is about 1h 30m and we arrive relatively early securing some great parking.

Queenie is left to await her carriage (Petit Train) while the rest of the crew soldiers on up the rather steep cobbles of this incredibly scenic village.

Cordes an MBV is perched on top of a rocky outcrop which prospered in the 13 & 14th centuries due in large part to the textile and leather industries. In the 1920’s the village was heading into oblivion but was saved primarily by artists and craftsmen who wanted to ply their trades in this scenic setting as well as musical entertainment in the 1970’s. Example of one of the artisan shops today:

While it is still undergoing restoration, the original charm which is well evidenced in the beautiful old houses.

…the covered market once used by cloth merchants and today weekly markets:

….as well some interesting art which Bob elected to “enhance”:

We are down at the parking by about 12:30 but forgo lunch and push on to Albi. This town lies on the banks of the Tarn River, dominated by the enormous cathedral-cum fortress towers of the Cathedral of Ste.-Cecile whose construction was started in 1276. A colossal undertaking it took several hundred years to complete and now is in a state of continuous restoration.

After visiting the cathedral we grab some delicious sandwiches washed down with Coca rather the wine we have become accustomed to and take a short stroll around the old city.

This is also the natal home of Toulouse Lautrec so we took a look at his house:

Then we are on the way back to Cabrerets, when we notice a turnoff to Najac which is an MBV and only 6 kms out of our way. This antique village is situated on a conical peak with the ruins of a fortified castle towering above the slate roofs of the village which dates back to the 1300’s.

It’s look is quite different from the other villages we have visited, so it was fun to simply stroll around and take it all in, including the ever-present cats….

Annie bought some baguettes and pastries for dessert tonite , so we are all set:

With that visit we have had enough for the day and we set course for home…..on the way we come across an old windmill:

….and that is about it for today….with time enough for some refreshments on the terrace:

………………..another good day!!!