Bordeaux and Toulouse

I have a friend that's visiting us from the states, so we took time out this week to explore some cities and villages in the Southwest area of France, in and around where we live in Moissac. We toured side by side midevil castles in Bruniquel--voted one of France's most beautiful villages. The first castle was built in the 13th century, but due to a family dispute the son was cut from the will and a cousin inherited the propérty instead. He had a second castle built in the 15th century--directly beside the fueding family's castle--and erected a stone wall between them so they needn't ever see each other. Such epic drama, considering it takes hundreds of workers atleast a decade to build a castle. One of these castles, Château Vieux, continued to be occupied until the death of the last Viscountess in 1980!

Lauzert was next on our list (and also on the list of most beautiful villages). Very little is open on Mondays in this area of France--which we knew going in--but the sun was out (despite a dreary forecast), so we couldn't resist. And it was worth the drive for the views alone.

Later in the week, we made our way to Bordeaux by train from Moissac, since the station is only a couple blocks from our house. When we rolled up to our destination, it felt like had been transported to Paris. The sophisticated architecture, the outdoor cafes, the mix of traffic from the trams. cars, bikes and scooters. It's easy to see the allure of this city and because its so easy to access by train, I'm sure we'll be back often to take advantage of all there is to see and do here. Although, our train home was delayed and by the time it left the station, we were packed into its carriages like sardines.

The last of our day trips was a quick trip to Toulouse, dropping our guest back off at the airport hotel before her early flight the next morning. Bill and I have been to Toulouse many times, but never into the city center. So, we were so surprised to find this part of the city so vastly different than our previous trips to the outskirts. I'm hooked ....and the shopping is first rate.

Bill and I will be back in Bordeaux and Toulouse in a couple weeks, as my sister will be visiting and we have plans to visit the Christmas markets there. I can't wait to see these stunning cities lit up with Christmas lights. For now. we will enjoy the last of the autumn burst of color on display in our backyard.