June 19: Aragon
Today I walked to the village of Pennautier to buy the compulsory french baguettes to go with the mountains of cheese we have in the fridge. Along the way I could look back at the village of Aragon, perched on the hill.
One of those blue windows (which are modern mullion windows) is my bedroom.
The place we are staying in is actually a castle built in the 16th century. While it has been modified over time, part of the original facade remains.
Today we ventured out to a village called Lastours, where you can see the remains of 4 medieval castles, called Cabernet, Surdespine, Quertinheux and Tour Regine.
Originally built in the 12th century, the castles were destroyed by the king of France who wanted to erase the memory of the powerful Cathars who were a religious sect which challenged the authority of the Church and were protective of heretics. Lots of Cathar history in this area.
The entry to the castles is on the site of a textile factory built in 1800, which, at the beginning of the 19th century, made sheets for billiard tables.It, along with much of the village, was washed away by a catastrophic flood in 1930.
You can see two of the castles behind me
The path up to the castles was very steep, lots of uneven stone steps ( you can imagine how much my knees enjoyed this experience) and I was grateful I had brought my walking poles(which got their first outing today).
It started to rain so we headed home. Dinner at home tonight…barbecued plaice. Yum!
Comments
8 responses to “Sara and Robyn say “Bonjour””
Hi Sara – I have always loved your “Travel logs” over the years – and I love this.
Great photos – Great Fun – and, Great Walking!! :))
Well……,someone has to do it :)))
love, Paula xxxxx
More history lessons ! You are one of a kind , Sis !
xxxxx
Looks fabulous – I see you have a little friend to help you walk up the hills! Lucky you read the book: ‘Carcassonne’ so you know your history! cheers Robyn
The weather looks lovely and so do you! Missing your nightly calls but happy that you are straight into vacation mode and enjoying lots of walks – say hi to Robyn when she arrives xxx
I believe with all that osteo fitting work you do the knees are more than up to it. Wonderful and hope the rain did not last long
Are you going to introduce us to the little friend?
Thanks Sar for allowing us a virtual holiday through your words and photos.
Is this the Rae that Catherine of Aragon came from?
Enjoy!
Suzie xx
❤️❤️ have you kidnapped somebody’s child? Is she coming home with you?