Day 25 Touring around Camon (France)

Day 25 Touring around Camon (France)

Today was a scheduled as a relaxation day.  We had a leisurely breakfast at the very reasonable time of 9 am and each of us decided on our own day’s events.  This morning Alison was thrilled at finally being able to wash her hair, John and Peter tinkered with their cars, Noeline, Dale and I tried to catch up with emails and the blog although the internet connection tended to be quite flaky.   

It's a tough life for some ... Dale and Noeline catching up on emails from home and work.

Later in the morning (early afternoon actually) Alan, Noeline, Dale and I decided to take a gentle drive into Carcassonne - which looked to be about 30 – 40 mins away using the more scenic “C” roads.  The route we chose was initially through Mirepoix where we could perhaps get some late lunch.

We discovered that Mirepoix was actually a delightful village full of historic interest and fabulous buildings.  There is also an array of small boutiques with some very interesting clothing and home wares but as is the tradition they were closed for lunch until 2.30 pm at the earliest.  We therefore opted for a light lunch of baguettes with typical French toppings.  The weather was magnificent and wonderfully warm.  Definitely improving on the fading Australian tan. We caught up with Peter and Janet over lunch.

The village square in Mirepoix France.

We finished our lunch and the shops had not yet opened (it was 3 pm!) and then we discovered they don't actually open on Tuesday's!  Oh well....we saved our money!

 

Historic square in Mirepoix France

We then opted to drive to Carcassonne – what a disaster!  The traffic in Carcassonne was appalling, it was hot and the two 12/50’s which were stuck in late afternoon gridlock begin to boil.  We decided to leave as quickly as possible and head home – unfortunately without seeing the old city or the castle for which the city is famous. 

The Alvis group dining at the Chateau de Camon

 Dinner tonight at the chateau was again a wonderful culinary fare.  The 5 course delight included roasted breast of guinea fowl, a very tasty asparagus soup, the most tender and gentlest tasting cod and again ending with a trio of delectable deserts – panna cotta, the darkest and richest chocolate tart and a raspberry and almond mini sponge.  Mmmm....

Its a good thing we didn't have to choose.....