Rocamadour is a remarkable village, the final stage in many ancient pilgrims journeys was made here. It is perched on the side of a sheer cliff face. Many pilgrims climbed the 219 steps to the holy chapel on their knees pausing to pray on each step. We all went up one step on our knees and agreed that any excuse for a pause was well justified. The visit was also made memorable by the two boys choosing this time for extended toilet stops (Sam followed Will) and I ran out of change for Sam for the user pays bathrooms. The situation became steadily more urgent as I used my broken French to request change from passing tourists. Michaela and Sasha were long gone up the hill. Sam's grimace eventually was more than adequate translation and the crisis resolved.
On for a brief stop in Carcassone, the site of an ancient medieval city as well as a very attractive more recent one including a substantial ferris wheel that all bar one of the family enjoyed!
It was almost dark when we got to Albi and there didn't seem to be a great deal happening. I suggested a creperie on a modern square near our hotel that was open and probably that was the best that could be said for it. We sat down and then Michaela got that look that said this was not for her and there must be something better. We trotted with the urgency of hungry travellers and happened upon a couple of busy fabulous looking restaurants beside the enormous cathedral for which Albi is best known. A great meal was had and our journey to the Dordogne had begun very well.
The next da (above was from one draft..)
Below from a another draft…have deleted duplicate, so now just have one blog to work on)
What a magnificent part of the world, so much history and so so beautiful. Of course it helps when each day starts with bright blue skies over lush valleys through which the Dordogne river cuts a windy course.
The Dordogne highlights...We stopped in Carcassone for a look around what is a beautiful old town that adjoins a walled medieval city. Michaela took charge of arranging our accomodation in Albi as we wanted to drive ahead for another hour. So whilst Michaela tested her French by calling hotels in Albi, the kids and I took a ride on a fabulous Ferris wheel, the bottom half gave us a great sight of the old town beforew rising up to provide a superb view of the old medieval town.
Albi
Sarlat
The Dordogne and Castlenaud
Canoeing down The Dordogne
