Bonjour

Bonjour, bonjour, arh. Just when I am getting accustomed to Hola and cafe con leche. I have to forget that and start with a new language.  Tuff when you're old, but very good for the brain I believe.

We have farwelled dry, sunny Spain and arrived at our next base in the lower Pyrenees, near the village of Biert, France to pouring rain, 10 degrees in Puffer Jackets.  It doesn't look far from the border, but there is a huge mountain range between us, of which we will explore by bike over the next three weeks.


It was a long day, leaving Ontinyent at 3am to catch a 6.20am flight at the Valencia airport, allowing 1:15min drive to the airport and 2 hour international checkin.  

We couldn't get a direct flight from Valencia to Toulouse, so our cheapest option with KLM, transited through Amsterdam, then back to Toulouse, landing in Toulouse in freezing, windy conditions. 

Here we collected our car, arriving two hours later at our destination, tired and cranky. So typical of me, I don't travel well.  (just warning you!) Luckily Dave know's me and also know's when not to say anything that might trigger the ignition......

Our host's served a wonderful dinner, we retired early and I slept like a log till 8 the next morning.

Weather was sketchy, with rain clouds threatening so we chose to head out and explore the area a bit.  Of course, Dave sends me in to grab a take away coffee, now 'cafe la creme' said with a roll of the tongue and emphasis on extending the 'creme' our host tried to teach me.  It doesn't work, the lovely French girl just has this blank look....... so I end up pointing to the machine, the size of the cup and the milk in the fridge.  She gets it.



We visit the nearby historic village of Saint Lizier, a beautiful UNESCO world hertitage site, featuring a beautiful cathedral, covered arcades, half timber houses and cobbled alleys. 



The 12th century Cloister is magnificent to say the least, stunningly beautiful with a strong sense of serenity.



I loved the weather beaten wooden shutters, obviously this building was empty.  Roads continue under homes, no such things as garages in this particular village.



We happen to come across a Camino pilgrimage sign, for those on the northern route that begins in France
through the Pyrenees, crossing the border with Spain, of course finishing in Santiago. 

For those doing the pilgrimage, there was a small square of lovely grass area with beautiful views, 
for free camping for those carrying a tent and a couple of fellows enjoying the spot

Start walking guys, cause I will be asking you to join me on this trek sometime in the future 😀  












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