France and the Pyrenees
Took the ferry to France and headed south. We wanted to see the famous Millau Bridge, built across the Tarn Gorge. Designed by the English architect Sir Norman Foster and completed in 2004, it is the tallest bridge in the world.
On previous trips it had often taken us up to two and a half hours to cross the gorge, an hour winding down into the valley, half an hour across the valley and another hour to get back to the top! Now it takes less than ten minutes.
We spent a few days in the Tarn Gorge before heading to Carcasonne.
On previous trips it had often taken us up to two and a half hours to cross the gorge, an hour winding down into the valley, half an hour across the valley and another hour to get back to the top! Now it takes less than ten minutes.
We spent a few days in the Tarn Gorge before heading to Carcasonne.
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Took a short detour to the Canal du Midi. On retirement, our friends Jenny and Jeff were planning to sail their boat through the canal and head for the Mediterranean.
Visited the 13th century town of Mirepoix in the Midi-Pyrenees, which boasts one of the finest arcaded market squares, Les Couverts, in France.
Next stop, St. Bertrand de Comminges, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Our final stop before reaching the high mountains was Lux St.Saveur.
Visited the 13th century town of Mirepoix in the Midi-Pyrenees, which boasts one of the finest arcaded market squares, Les Couverts, in France.
Next stop, St. Bertrand de Comminges, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Our final stop before reaching the high mountains was Lux St.Saveur.
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Close to the Spanish border, in the Hautes Pyrénées, is the Cirque de Gavarnie. Our trip to the Pyrénées National Park included the Cirque de Gavarnie, the Lac du Gaube and the Pont d'Espagne.
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Heading back north, we stopped at Monflanquin, another of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Built in 1256 as a military bastide, it changed hands several times during the Hundred Years' War.
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Near to the Dordogne River lies the 13th century bastide town of Monpazier. Founded and built by King Edward I of England (also the Duke of Gascony), it was home to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard II of England.
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Final destinations before returning home were Cahors and Rocamadour.
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