We then headed north in the direction of Cahors. A beautiful old medieval French town. We arrived and found a park no problem and then went off in the search for lunch. After a couple of misses where no one could speak English and we weren't really sure if the food would be gluten free we found a lovely cafe. We thought we would try and do lunch a bit cheaper today so had no frills with just a main each and no drinks - so we saved a few penny's. We think that next weekend if we go away we might make up some baguettes and sandwiches and have a picnic instead. Every town has gorgeous bakeries and cheap pizza and creperies but for gluten free diners it is a lot more challenging.
One of the narrow alleyways in Cahors.
Part of the medieval town.
Having a rest at a WW1 memorial
So after a meal of steak and chips we walked the streets of Cahors admiring all the age old houses and trying to work out what all the different pulleys and grates on the outside of the houses were for. The streets are very narrow and we decided that this would not be a good place to own a big 7 seater car like ours. We had a great explore and then walked down to the 14th Century medieval bridge Pont Valentre. It was truly magnificent and quite awe-inspiring that something over 600 years old is still standing and you can walk over it and climb some of the stairs that lead to the towers.
The bridge of Cahors
Jasper walking over the gate that opens the lock.
On the riverbank looking at Pont Valentre
We then walked back into the village and found a cafe for an ice cream and a coffee. We had planned to go onto Rocamdour which has an amazing chateau perched on a hill. We had done alot of walking already and didn't think the kids would be that impressed if we made them walk up a step hill to look at yet another old building. So instead we decided to take a short walk back to the Cathedrale St-Etienne in Cahors. It was a wonderful building, so ornate with some 14th century fresco's. The monks certainly knew how to hide themselves from the world as inside the church through a doorway and chapel was a lovely courtyard. Very peaceful and private.
The courtyard inside the Cathedral.
We then decided to head for home and will come back to Rocamdour another day with friends of family.
Today we decided to try out a different Church and even though it was advertised as English speaking it was actually French speaking. We stayed for some songs and prayers but left before the sermon as thought it might be a bit hard going. We instead went into Pibrac which is a nearby village, to a playground we had spotted on a previous occasion. It was a great playground and the kids had a good time.
Am looking forward to the week ahead with organising the Teacher aide for Hannah and getting a start date for her for school now that she has been accepted. On Monday the children have the day off school for parent teacher interviews. My interviews are in the afternoon so we will be able to have a relaxing morning at home.
I love your commentary Rach, and the pictures that go with it. Good luck with the parent teacher interviews, it will be interesting to see how we'll the children have settled in to their new way of life. And we'll done for Hannah.
ReplyDeleteLove the blog and photos. Funny, quaint little alleyways and streets. Great castles and ruins. Hannah will be excited about the prospect of going to school. It has been worth all the time and effort you have had to put in.
ReplyDeleteLots of love to all.