Short Baby Shower Thank You Quotes

A trip to southern France (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Friends! I just came from Carcassonne and Narbonne (Carcassonne and Narbonne in French). A journey of 3 days (2 nights) has been very beautiful. As has been the holiday season, I decided to put this trip on my blog as soon as possible. I'm sure it will help some of you to plan out a little advantage these days "saved" with so much love throughout the year. Barcelona, \u200b\u200bCarcassonne is 3 hours away. Ideal to go with children or friends. The tempera1ura is more or less like that of Barcelona and it is a rainy place.

This time I will not force you to wake up early. You can leave when you feel like more because, Barcelona to the border you have an hour and a half and the border to Carcassonne another hour and a half short. Enjoy the scenery and make a short stop to stretch your legs is what I always advise. The service area of \u200b\u200bthe French motorways are a marvel.

Leaving La Jonquera take the A-9 to then change to the A-61, direction Toulouse. We leave the motorway at Carcassonne. Next to find out almost all hotels in economic chains. As they all have to leave the car park is a good option if we have decided to spend little. The other option is to go to a hotel in the Cité. These hotels are prestigious and more expensive chains. However, being in a medieval site is wonderful. You have to keep in mind that within the Cité is forbidden to drive. The car you have to park it outside the walls, whether you have the hotel if you have it inside and out.

Carcassonne has the largest fortified citadel in Europe. Built on a hill, is listed as Artistic-Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1997. The founding of the city dates back to the sixth century BC Its strategic location between Narbonne and Bordeaux allowed to join the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. In 1209, when he began the crusade, was a stronghold of the Cathars. Trencavel Viscount of Albi and Nîmes, took refuge in the Citadel. On August 15, comes to save the lives of its inhabitants. In 1226 Citadel keys go to the King of France. With St. Louis becomes the Royal Palace. Outside building a wall lined with 14 towers. The Citadel just having a double ring of walls and a total of 53 towers. Is when it reaches its peak.

Having been in ruins and thinking, the French government to demolish its walls due to its advanced degree of deterioration, this imposing symbol of medieval architecture and stronghold of the Cathar heresy, is rehabilitated for conservation and reborn in 1910, the works are completed, once again becoming today, a unique masterpiece that is necessary to visit and admire.

The entrance to the Citadel is free. However, in some parts of its interior there is an entrance fee. If you do not have time necessary or not you want to go inside any building, merely walking around the Citadel, walk through the narrow streets and admire its ancient buildings, is an unforgettable experience. Inside the Citadel there are hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, art galleries and homes. The Bridge on the River Aude, with its 12 arches, possesses a peculiar charm.

La Fortaleza, a fort in the middle of the Citadel, was the former home of the family Trencavel. It has a moat spectacular and the visit inside the enclosure must be done slowly and admiring each of the views over the walls and the country that offer their windows. You can also visit the museum that contains part of the history of the city and the region of the Cathars. Keep in mind that, being an ideal setting for congresses and conventions, when a major event celebrating the grounds of the Palace can not be visited by tourists.

Do not fail to enter the Church of St. Nazaire, built between 1096 and 1130, on a previous sixth-century Visigothic temple. Saint Nazaire was the cathedral until the nineteenth century.

The interior is Romanesque and Gothic. Both styles are superimposed on the architecture, sculptures, and the beautiful windows (stained glass). These stunning stained glass windows, located at 6 chapels, representing scenes from the life of Christ and his apostles.
In the choir you have to admire the carved pillars and statues in his columns.
The organ, in 1637, is one of the oldest in the South of France. Because of repeated restorations, you can only play classical pieces.

There is a grave headstone attributed to Simon de Montfort. Also you can see the "stone the siege "in memory of the site suffered in Toulouse in the thirteenth century.

In the two facades, the north and south, there are two" rosettes "of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

To enter or leave the "cité" there are four doors: East, between 2 towers, stands the gate of Narbonne, with a Gothic image of the Virgin.

The door to the Aude, formerly of Toulouse door is opened on the River Aude. Its construction dates back to the XIII and his mission was to prevent the enemy to go up to the walled city from the river.

Saint Nazaire door, located to the south, next to the tower that protected and defended Basilica of Saint Nazaire.

The door of the village or Rodez is located north of the wall between two towers, and is the least spectacular.

Carcassonne The region has much to offer. Typical vineyard land, vineyards compete with the rich architecture of the region. The cuisine also occupies an important place: number of Michelin stars are allocated among its most famous restaurants. Do not hesitate to try the "cassoulet" made of white beans, pork ribs and sausage. Some recipes are made with magret duck. The Camino de Santiago was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, passes through Carcassonne . The third way and the least known, the GR-78, which is currently being put in the roads, the Via link Domitia happening, also Carcassonne.

70 km. Carcassonne and Narbonne only 15, is the Abbey Fontfroide. Located on the first buttresses of the Corbières, this historical place of the twelfth century is one of the most sumptuous Cistercian Abbeys and best preserved in France. annually hosts more than 100,000 visitors .

Founded in 1093, on land owned by the Viscount of Narbonne join, in 1145, the Cistercian Order. It is a period of greatness and expansion and Vocations are numerous. In 1348, because of the Black Death, lost three-quarters of its monks. However, the Abbey continues to be embellished with an unparalleled architecture until the beginning of the revolution. In 1791 the last monks have to leave the Abbey beginning an era of irreparable destruction. In 1858, a community of Cistercian installed, for several decades, but the Abbey in 1901 returns to be abandoned. Fontfroide goes on sale in the Court of Narbonne in 1908. There are several hypothetical buyers but attempting, is to take his country part of the architectural riches of the Abbey. It Gustave Fayet and his wife Madeleine d'Andoque who save this wonder of art and sumptuously restored. Their descendants still own today, continue with maintenance and Beautification of the Abbey.

Do not fail to admire the relog, late twelfth century, one of the most beautiful in the French midi. Its rooms are admirable proportions and purity of lines bordering on perfection. The windows, lavishly decorated by Richard Burgsthal between 1912 and 1925, flash with its shades of blue, orange and red. The kitchen is huge and the dining room is magnificent. Fontfroide Abbey is one of the places where "the stones speak."
present, apart from the tourists who visit every day, has been remodeled inside to hold seminars, conferences, conventions, concerts and events. There are rooms that are able to accommodate up to 500 people. You need at least 2 hours to enjoy this beautiful place. Go not in a hurry. If you can be in the morning, the better. The photographs are going to make wonderful with lots of light. At the end of the visit, do not forget to visit the rose garden with 3,000 roses of all varieties you can imagine (in winter there is much less). This Abbey grows and produces high quality wines. You can visit the cellars, taste and buy wines that you desire. The Abbey, from November to April, closes 4 in the afternoon.

I think it's time to head towards the coast. Specifically we are going to Gruissan, an authentic village. In Roman times it was an eminently fisherman village, located right in the mouth of the Aude. Today it is a place full of heritage and cultural curiosities. Barberousse tower is visible from afar. Built on the Rock in 1246, now only its vestiges. This tower, with its 35 meters above the sea, is the sure sign that we have come to this beautiful town. During the tenth century fortress, and later his tower, watching from this vantage point, the dangers that might threaten Narbonne and its region.

Climb the tower is almost mandatory. The view seen from above, with the red roofs of the houses, the marina, the fishing port, ponds, salt marshes and "aiguamolls" is spectacular. However, the climb is hard and not recommended for people who are fatigued, there are many steps and very steep.

Gruissan is part of a magnificent natural environment and is the starting point for discovering the beautiful Clape massif, a protected area since 1973 with an area of \u200b\u200b15,000 hectares. Within this area you can find 5 lakes that cover a third of the municipality.

In summer, its magnificent beaches, you can enjoy all kinds of water sports. In winter, stroll along the golden sands is a pleasure. In the late nineteenth century, the inhabitants of Carcassonne and Narbonne, this was the preferred place to "go to the bathroom." Currently, the port for pleasure boats has 1330 moorings.

The view of Gruissan arouses curiosity: the medieval village houses are rolled together to form concentric circles around the castle ruins. It was a way to build 1,000 years ago in this area of \u200b\u200bthe Aude. It is classified as "in circulades plus beau villages de France" Once in the village, in the old town, its streets paved with stones and old fishermen's houses, I go back many years ago without realizing it ... you can still see the nets to dry in the entries and the washing on their balconies!

Gruissant is also called "La Playa de los Chalets" by the houses erected on piles, remnants of the old fishermen's houses. These buildings, other than those of any town on the coast, were immortalized in the film by Jean-Jacques Beneixida, "37.2 ° C le matin." Are within 2 km. from the town center. The top 18 beach houses were built in 1870. There are currently 1,300 houses, between the old l new you.
Special mention should
his small church. The Church of the Assumption is built in typical style languedocien XII century. In the doorway we see a cross with an anchor. Inside we see the tabernacle, six pink marble columns, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady and in the eastern wall, a work of the painter Jacques Gamelin.
in low season Gruissant population does not exceed 4,500 inhabitants. In summer, nearly doubled.

Now we turn to Narbonne, only 20 km. On leaving the motorway, as usual, will find many hotels. However, if you desire a different experience, I recommend who decide on the "Rural Tourism." Among

Gruissant and Narbonne find accommodation of all categories. You can choose between farms, country houses and even mansions like ancient castles.

latter are advertised as "chateau". The difference between the tourism and hotels is that they "live" with the owners, eat with them at the same table, no room for children to enjoy the countryside and the food is different, since most owners grow their own vegetables and legumes in organic farming and open kitchen for guests ... even the desserts are 100% homemade!

The most important cultivate vineyards and produce wines of quality and, in others, including olive oil are of superior quality (first cold pressing). Well, what I'm saying is that, with the number of hotels there, eating well these days you have it secured.

And now let's talk about Narbonne. Narbonne was the oldest of the Roman colonies were founded in Italy in the year 118 BC Narbo-called Martius. Its heyday was purchased at time of Caesar Augustus. Its location in the heart of the Via Domitia made to become one of the most important cities of Gaul, until the end of the Roman Empire. Had an area of \u200b\u200bover 2 km. square. From the year 462 was the Visigoths. In 718 was occupied by Muslims. In the year 759, Narbonne was annexed to the kingdom of the Franks. Until the Middle Ages was ruled by the archbishop and the viscount, in equal parts. From the thirteenth century it was walled.

episcopal city of the Middle Ages has given way to a city full of history and art. For its ancient relics and heritage that has allowed in 2006 obtained the distinction of "City of Art and History." However, there remains no monuments of ancient Rome.

Narbona has 2 distinct parts: taking as reference the river, the left side is the oldest. The right side belongs to the Middle Ages. Via Domitia is right in the middle. This was coupled with the Via Aquitania. The current city has developed on the left side as this part was a little higher the bed of the river and was protected from floods, which covered the entire right side. In the seventeenth century the bishops monopolized all the power. The center of the ancient city was the Forum. Trade, led by bishops, acquired a great development, especially trade in wheat and, shortly thereafter, with the wine.

was discovered in 1838 "Horreum." It is a unique monument used in ancient times to store cereals and wine. Data from the time of Caesar Augustus, but retained only a portion of the extent of this huge "warehouse" of antiquity. His long galleries were buried underground for many years and did not come to light until the early twentieth century. Currently, you can visit, like all museums.

mention deserves the Lapidary Museum (Lapidaire). Located in the former Benedictine Church of Our Lady of Lamourguier, Southern Gothic style. This peculiar museum houses the largest collection of Roman tombstones France: about 1,300. Some belong to public monuments and funeral and all are part of old buildings. There are also walls, bas reliefs, capitals, fragments of cornices and parts of columns. All have been found in the basement of Narbonne and all are numbered and classified. Since 1980 he is trying to rebuild some of these ancient monuments. It is the most rich testimony of the glorious past of this city. Do not fail to contemplate the audiovisual offered by this museum. Is exceptional. It is an extraordinary journey, together with images and music, will take you to the heart of its assets depths.

Narbonne is a walking city to admire. Nothing is far away. Everything is accessible on foot. In the center of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento You can see part of the original pavement of the Via Domitia. It is surrounded by a sidewalk and is a source base. This Way was the first built outside Rome in 118 BC, to organize the conquered territories. At that time the network of Roman roads grew to 100,000 km and linking Italy to Spain.


The Cathedral, dedicated to Saints Justus and Pastor is the only Gothic cathedral in the Mediterranean and the third highest in France. His bow is nearly 40 m. high. In 1272 the first stone was laid and construction was interrupted in 1355 when the city was invaded by the Black Prince. Never was completed. Consists only of a choir and cloister. Originally had no windows. In antiquity it was believed that favored dark devotion and intimacy with God. Gradually opened windows to let in light. Currently, the windows are the most beautiful part of this beautiful cathedral.

The Archbishop's Palace, next to City Hall is a monument consisting of the Palazzo Vecchio (seventh century), the Torres de la Magdalena, San Marcial, New Palace (XIV century) and the Cathedral of Santos Justo Y Pastor. This impressive work, with samples of Carolingian architecture, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance offers an inner courtyard where you can access to the Archaeological Museum. If you are lucky enough to admire this court, do not hesitate to see the beautiful doors and windows that adorn the right side of it.

Look at the channels used to drain water from the rooftops. All are shaped like animals, but there is one that is shaped like a person. He was someone very influential "screwed" a lot when it reshaped the Palace. The Town Hall was built between 1846 and 1852 by Viollet-le-Duc.



El Canal de la Robine, built between 1667 and 1681, is the beginning of one of the most beautiful streets of Narbonne: La Rue du Pont des Marchands. This channel is a derivation of the Canal du Midi and reaches the Mediterranean through the city center. Passes under an arched Roman bridge which was part of the Milky Domitia. La Rue du Pont des Marchands is full of shops and is considered the commercial center of Narbonne. This street in the neighborhood of the canons. Walking through this place you can admire many historic buildings. Walking through this place has to admire the windows and doorways history. Will be "a walk through history."

Now we are in front of Les Halles. This beautiful pavilion, Baltard style, was inaugurated on 1 January 1901 to house the market at that time was installed in the Place de les Herbes (now Town Hall Square). Worked as a market for many years. Currently, rehabilitated, it becomes the soul of the city. Inside you can find everything. Even you can eat. In a somewhat different and fun.

Well, I do not extend more than my explanation: it is better that if you have a few days, cojáis the car and enjoy it your way. Sure you will like.



This trip I did to celebrate the 7 th Tourism Languedoc-Roussillon and I promise that I enjoyed every moment of my visit. I hope my notes will help you to use these days. Do not hesitate to get in:
http://www.audetourisme.com/
http://www.sunfrance.com/

These can help you address and resolve any questions you have. A big hug


Magda