Day 37 Good bye France.

Its been another great week, although we have slightly hit the wall with traveling every couple of days and one too many churches or 'oh look kids - see that small town up there on the hill' as we whizz past, is possibly taking a toll. But still I happily report that they're doing very well and maintain so much more interest than I expected (or I did myself at similar ages).

A familiar noise woke us on last morning in Uzes - hot air balloons, as we often hear and see overhead at home.

Monday we left Uzes and headed to the university town of Montpellier. Using some hotel points we all enjoyed the crisp clean sheets and white fluffy towels of the Crowne Plaza - another warm day in low 30's meant the girls were happy to flop by the pool for the afternoon on arrival - it worked for me.

Town sq by Day

And by night. 

And even prettier! 

We used Tuesday to walk the tight winding streets and see some of the main sights.  A casual dinner at  restaurant was very enjoyable and the girls as always amused themselves with their surroundings.

Another local Arc de Triomphe

A short drive from Montpellier was a medieval town called Aigeus Mortes, which was interesting but also set the seen for the next two nights at Carcassonne,  where we have just left - also a grand fortress and village in medieval style set behind the original stone walls.

Enough time for the kids to find another lollie shop (it seems to be a re occuring theme) and me to find the bakery - us all to grab another icecream (noting some new great flavours) and then again hit the road.

The drive to Carcassonne took us along the coast and we had to stop and take a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. We found a great beach - although no waves for you surf lovers and took the plunge in 'Noosa' warm water. As I've already mentioned to some,  there was something about that beach that I just couldn't put my finger on,  or hand or lips - but I sure gave my eyes a great time.

Close ups not allowed.

Carcassonne greated us with the grandeur we have not seen yet of a truly original Medieval town.

A quick walk before a lovely dinner and finally the 'Cassoulet', which was just amazing (sorry not big into food photos), but fair to say a stand out dish of the trip. The serenade from the busker also added to the ambiance.

Any Britex team pick the Look a Like?

Thursday was a day to look around the more modern part of the town, where we found the perfect shop for the whole family.  Cheese and meats at the front,  sweets and chocolates in the middle,  wine at the back and homewares upstairs, throw in a English speaking Frenchman and we had a perfect match and left with enough food for lunch and wine for 2 days?

And finally our last morning in France. Friday the 13th (Happy Birthday Cuz) was a final look around the medieval town, it was another truly history living moment - and we found another bloddy lollie shop! . We then drove off to Spain to find a place to stay (a night we haven't booked) in Calella on the coast and enjoy a afternoon on the beach.

These took my fancy - Tennis balls, peanuts and fried eggs.

A few hours through the warmth of the day (36 degrees) saw us arrive in Calella which is best described as bad cousin of the Gold Coast,  30 years older and run down with a similar 'schoolies' crowd.

We picked the best dodgiest looking place and accepted the deal they offered including breakfast.  Opening the door Ange and I thought we had just found the biggest King size bed we'd ever slept in - quad king size!!  Unfortunately only to realize that was the room in total and the beds squashed from wall to wall would accommodate us all - ahh well I have said we all getting along super well, maybe this night will test it?

That's 4 beds side by side.

We did have a great night, and enjoyed a good local meal while the locals unfortunately watched Spain go down badly in their first world cup match - well I suppose it kept the noise down for the night.

They sat anywhere to watch their World Cup team.

Saturday was a short drive into Barcelona to spend 4 nights seeing what we've heard so much about, meet with Dad and Christine and hopefully enjoy something a little more special in the hotel stakes.

The Hotel certainly lived up to expectations (Thanks Dad), and Barcelona is another amazingly beautiful city, full of life and culture - especially architecture and that of Gaudi.

The Roof top pool and bar - perfect! 

And the views out over Barcelona. 

 


Some Tapas plates in the evening and tomorrow is my day to enjoy with the family (Appreciate all the emails and texts - sending this today now Sunday 15th).

It just on half way through the trip and we're looking forward to the weeks still ahead.

Smile - its internationally contagious :-)

The Happy Traveller.

More wine. 

 Carcassonne and the beautiful Medieval town.

The Moon made a perfect appearance. 

And another bridge over a river! 

The perfect chicken shop - The Foxes Den?

One for the locals. 

During a volley of emails - this looked perfect for 'Tradie Boot Camp" Dinner! Perspective isn't great but it's easily 450mm wide. Cook this for them Luke.