A journey to France in August 2020
during Covid19 days
Click on photos to enlarge
On Tuesday, 4/8/2020, the New Normal 45, - after a state of alarm lasting 98 days - we drove for 7+ hours to Carcassonne
Hotel de la Cite, where we stayed for 2 nights, can be seen inside the walls, bottom right . A Secret Escapes package
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| We were upgraded to a junior suite with a private terrace overlooking the cathedral. Enjoyed tapas & a bottle of | ||||
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wine in the gardens. Next day a Michelin starred lunch - very reasonably priced- in the scenic grounds |
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| The hotel was picturesque, but suffered with bimbos as receptionists. The surrounds of its pool were over crowded, especially in Covid times | |||
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& we were surprised at the presence of a buffet breakfast |
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We took a long walk on the Wednesday morning down to the new town and the Canal du Midi- an old friend |
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| And several strolls in the walled Cite, visiting its cathedral, listening to its musicians, tourist watching, .. | ||
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A pleasant stay, but then problems with 4 successive bills on check out! |
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Then on to Castigno for another Michelin starred lunch: excellent, though they had mislaid our reservation |
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The same room as in 2019 but receptionists now from Bimbo Central! Breakfast as wondrous as before |
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Enjoyed a couple of walks and also a couple of swims. Then onto St Priest Les Fougeres & Uncle Vic's |
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David demonstrated to Vic that he could listen to cricket better on an Ipad than onlong wave. The food was as scrumptious as ever |
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| The Boyzz reclaimed their tractor and Chris was shown a new place to enter the lake for her evening swim |
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On the Saturday we decanted ourselves to the Lascaux IV Caves- to get out of Gaynor's hair whilst she effected a Changeover at the Gite
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We were impressed by these (not being cave lovers!). It was well organized and the guide on our English tour was excellent |
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Then on Sunday morning we went to the farmer's market at nearby Jumilliac
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Due to Covid19 there were few stalls here |
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Tuesday we set off back to Spain, via the Bordeaux traffic jams, arriving at Brinas, near Haro, around 5pm.
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| We had stayed here in 2019, in the Palacio Tondon, next to the river Ebro. This year's room had a better balcony, & I sat there reading before | |||
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| a walk along the river & then a drink. We dined, by mistake!, inside. Breakfast was excellent- and NOT a Buffet!! - less risk of the virus!! |
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