From Peyrepetuse, we drove around the base of the hill and towards another big attraction – the Galamus gorge. This road was two way but really only had room for one car winding through the gorge. There were periodic pull offs to allow cars to pass, but fortunately we met only one car on our way through and we were already at a pull-off. Once we got through the gorge we headed through Cotes de Roussillon wine country – not to be confused with the Luberon Roussillon - and stopped in Maury to check out the local product. The wines of this region, we’re finding, are a little drier and less fruity than those further north. It might have something to do with the harsh conditions under which they grow – terroir and climate. Just before Durban we went through Albas which was an authentically old village with some very unusual glacial geology in the surrounding countryside. This time in Durban, coming from the opposite direction, we discovered a remarkable chateau ruin atop the town.
Back at Cachette Tranquil, it started to rain and a fairly impressive electrical storm ensued. They really need the rain! We had an excellent dinner of lamb chops, potatoes and beans and then settled down to do our own thing – reading, blogging, etc. An amazing day!
Carcassonne, Limoux & Rennes le Chateau