City Gates
Random city shots.
Yesterday, Francois picked us up at 9am for our 2 hour drive to the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. Along the way he took the time to show us all the little highlights and small towns on the route, even slowing a bit to show us the vineyard his mother in law still works for the family. All in all, a very pleasant drive through the countryside.
When we arrived at Carcassone, it was a total madhouse. I stupidly forgot it was Easter weekend and all of France is on vacation. There were Disneyland style crowds in the gates, people every-freaking-where. The entrance gates and the first mart of the city streets were packed with people, dogs, shops selling the worst kind of crap, etc. Luckily, Francois's wife grew up in the area and he led us through the back streets to where the tourists rarely go. Once there, it was magical.
Carcassonne is regarded as the best existing example of a walled city. In the 19th cent, a lot of the roofs and hoarding were replaced, to much argument about how they should be done of course, but the effect is magical. From the walls, to the narrow streets, to the majestic cathedral, this town really feels authentic.
Apart from the renfest clad goobers and bad souvenir sellers...
For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcassonne
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