La Cite: French Fortress

Since today is technically a rest day, we ride less than 100 miles and head back to the chateau from here.  Fortunately, though, it is not the end of the day, but only a welcome stop to change into clothing more suited for the hot afternoon sun.  Several of us decide to get back on the bikes and go into Carcasonne for something to eat and a visit to La Cite, a restored medieval citadel just on the outskirts of the city.

We grab small sandwiches, quiche, figs and olives at a small shop in the old part of the city, and then ride just a few blocks up a hill to La Cite.  Being on a bike has its advantages, and one of our companions leads us right up to the main gate, where there is parking for motorcycles.

La Cite is quite remarkable and one of France’s top tourist attractions.  A fortress within a fortress, the miniature city can only be entered by crossing a drawbridge. Complete with turrets and towers, La Cite looks every bit like you might imagine a medieval town should.  There are among other things many shops, narrow alleys, a cathedral and a chateau, which is preserved today as a museum.  We toured the chateau to see what life was like at the town’s zenith in the 12th century.  There were many rooms to walk through where we saw paintings and murals, terra cotta pieces and fragments from the cathedral.  We also walked along the tops of the outer walls, which connect the towers surrounding the chateau.  Here we saw numerous stations that were used by look outs to spot approaching enemies and from which they could fire canons or crossbows.

Leaving La Cite, a much smaller group of us set out on a small adventure to find one or two local vineyards.  While we passed several that looked promising, they were either too far down a gravel road (not great for motorcycles) or simply not open.  However, there was one near our chateau that was still open, so we stopped for a short visit and to sample the local wines.  We thoroughly enjoyed the experience with our friends as well as visiting with the owner, who could not speak English.  Just as in my other encounters with locals, she was delightful, however, and we had a marvelous time.

Dinner tonight was at the chateau restaurant.  I could not resist having the foix gras again, but chose the escargot, duck breast and strawberry soup this time.  If it’s possible, tonight’s dinner was even better than last night’s.  I will miss the magic of the chateau when we leave tomorrow.