Albi

Today we drove from Sarlat to Albi. For once the weather was a bit dull. Overcast and warm (instead of sunny and hot).

En route we stopped at a variety of interesting towns: Carennac, Villefranche de Rourgue, St-Martin de (something), Castlenaud-Bretenoux etc. Lots of beautiful scenery... historic old buildings, ruined castles, rolling hills.

We arrived in Albi just ahead of the rush hour. Strolled through old town and walked over the Tarn River (teeming with large carp and catfish) on a 900 year-old bridge. Also visited Albi’s famous cathedral. Then had dinner on a lively square near our hotel.

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“If I see one more Romanesque chapel, I’m going to....”  These were the words uttered by Doug as we peered into the interior of a small house of worship built in the year 700.  Just kidding of course!  We have been bewitched by the romance of these towns, once at the heart of the Hundred Years War.  Lots of plundering went on, but lots left as well.  (I wonder if the people living in these ancient buildings dream of having a split-level with a brand-new deck?)

Our hotel in Albi is roomy and  modern, with one wall covered in a wallpaper mural depicting a birch forest. Hmm ..is this so that we will feel at home?  It is the most expensive stay of our vacation - breakfast is 18 E.  No thanks  We visited the Albi Cathedral before dinner, which claims to be the largest brick building in the world.
Our non-stop sun is taking a break.  I don't mind really, being a bit of a mole at heart.