Still in France, so yes another Medieval City. Carcassonne is about a 1 hour train ride from Toulouse, since we got train tickets pass for anywhere in this region for 20Euro for today and tomorrow, Andre chose Carcassonne.
We crossed for the “new” side of the city by the Pont Neuf to the medieval city, which has a double walled castle. It is a beautifully restored castle that gives you fantastic views as you look over towards the Pyrenees Mountains, unfortunately it is not really clear, but you could see the snow in the mountains. There is an audio guide of the castle which takes you through the castle as well as the ramparts, possibly the worst audio guide we have ever used, but it gave us a little more info on castle life. The medieval part of the city is quite small, lots of twisty little streets. Stopped for lunch break at a small tavern to try cassoulet, which is like a white bean casserole with different meats, it comes from this region and you see it everywhere on menus. It is a big meal that is very filling, especially when you still have lots of walking to do for the day. Walked back over the river by the old bridge, more amazing views of the castle and ramparts from here.
Next off there is a tower to climb at the church, so of course we are off. After the cassoulet and the walking we have already done today, the 230 steps seemed like a lot! It cost 2Euro to climb each, Andre only had a 5Euro bill, the man said the 1Euro is a donation to the poor, lol. More churches should adopt this fundraising, change goes to the poor. Nice views up top, there were only 2 other people up there with us.
Not much time to spare as we needed to catch the train back to Toulouse. There are mostly trains every hour to these touristy places, but sometimes 1.5 or 2 hours between trains, we always seem to be ready to leave when it is a long break in trains, but today we watched the clock a bit more.
Back in Toulouse and it is 5Euro mojitos in the Capitole square, so time for a break. It is a beautiful square, and a nice day to sit outside and people watch. Andre went for a beer, I did the mojito which was good, but why so much ice in mojitos here?
Next off I remember our guide the other day gave us the name of a place with the best Mojitos and it just happens to be happy hour there now. Back towards the train station we go to Le Glou for 4Euro mojitos that were very yummy. The place is packed, we are lucky to get seats inside, it is getting cold out now. Very loud place, that has a Caribbean vibe. Ordered a side of fries that are done in duck fat, very yummy.
Back to the apartment, not much needed for supper tonight. Early night, another full day planned for tomorrow.
Steps 27,000 or 17 km
Coming to the Toulouse train station from the right
