Sharing the local knowledge

This morning we farewelled our friends from Christchurch, Anna, Malcolm and their two boys Zachary and Tobi. To be honest James farewelled them as they left our house at 4am to catch a flight. We have had a fantastic four days of talking, feasting, sightseeing and just hanging out. Our aim was to show them the best that the south of France has to offer and that is cheese, castles, gorgeous old villages, wine, food, friendly french folk and more cheese. I think we did justice to all of the above! The highlight for Jasper though was having two buddies to laugh with, chat to and create pranks with.

On New Year's Day we headed into toulouse city and even though most shops were closed we did manage to find an ice cream shop just in time for when the heavens opened. We also went into a cathedral where Hannah got to try out the acoustics. I have done a walking tour of toulouse so I got to try out all my newly learned Toulouse an knowledge - I may need to brush up on my accuracy of dates! We then walked to our favourite carousel where the kids all had a ride.










The next day we decided to do rural villages of southern France but first headed on the motorway to Albi. This was my first time on the toll motorway and after a bit of a false start - I took off before getting my ticket and Anna had to run back and get it (I ended up not needing it but better to be safe then sorry) we arrived safe and sound. Not for long though as the boys decided it would be great to dodge the water fountains which as they got closer to the large fountain in the middle they got wetter and wetter. James had been concerned about Hannah getting wet but no it wasn't her!







We then headed to a restaurant to warm up and had a traditional lunch which included steak hache (meat pattie), Toulousian sausage, and cassoulet. We then headed to the cathedral. It was a lovely church from the outside and Apparently the largest brick building in the world but we were not prepared for the beauty of the inside. Every available service was painted, including the floor and it was spectacular.





After leaving the church we went for a walk over the bridges of albi.







We decided to take to the country roads and go to Cordes-sur-Ciel which we thought sounded like a nice village from our map and the guide book. We were not expecting much more then a pretty village but we turned the corner and there was a medieval village on top of a hill - magical. After trying to find a way to drive up we ended up having to park at the bottom of the hill and walking up. It just kept going up and when we finally arrived at the top there was a lovely village and square. A great place to come back to in the summer.










We then headed home feeling very satisfied and got ready to go out for dinner in Toulouse! James has been wanting to go to Meet the Meat after some of the other guys from Air NZ who were over recently raved about it. It did it fail to live up to its reputation with yummy French fare, and great service.

The next day we had a quiet morning at home then headed to Carrassone. It was a bit more stressful journey for some reason with Hannah being quite difficult in the back seat, plus the GPS taking me on maybe the quickest but definitely the most indirect route possible - right through the city with Ferris wheels, skinny one way streets and everything. By the time we arrived at the car park that the GPS selected which as it turned out was a hotel one and I couldn't use I was at the end of my rope. Thankfully a bit of fresh air and James taking over Hannah duty I started to feel better.




I think I was the one that needed to sit and meditate!







All is forgiven after coffee and hot chips!

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Sun, sand and sangria in Spain

James and I both felt like the need for some sea air so decided to go to the Mediterranean coast. As we had left it a bit late with booking accommodation the town we had wanted to stay at, Collioure, was full so we decided that we would go to Spain! One of James workmates recommended the coastal town of Roses so after a bit of research on google we found an apartment near the beach.

We set off on Friday morning and headed east to Perpignan. James wanted to stop at the memorial for the New Zealanders who died in the Air NZ plane crash four years ago and pay his respects.








We then continued along the coast to Collioure. It was as beautiful as we had heard it was. With a fort and castle on the waterfront and lovely cafes along the beach. we had a packed lunch from home so sat on the beach and ate our sandwiches.






















We had a great explore and then carried on along the coast through numerous gorgeous towns.




We crossed the border into spain and drove on to Roses. The outskirts of the town were pretty rundown with graffiti on the walls but the esplanade and beach made up for it. The best way to describe Roses is that it looks like Kaiteriteri on steriods. golden sand, hills, lovely bays, yachts in the inlet but then apartment blocks, hotels, cafes, high rises everywhere! The whole coast line was just dotted with high rise hotels and I can imagine in the summer when all the hotel rooms are full it will be insanely busy. As it is low season here very few hotels and restaurants were open although it still seemed like there were lots of people around.

Once we got settled into our apartment we walked down to the beach. Poor wee Hannah fell over so is looking a bit sad in some photos, but was very brave.




















We woke to a beautiful day on Saturday so decided to go for a walk around the headlands. The hills were covered in housing and they reminded James of Mt Victoria in Wellington. We got to the end of the built up housing and found the walkway. We came in at the far end and it was a bit rough with climbing over rocks but we eventually made it down to the beach.













It was starting to get hot so the kids had a bit of a play in the water. We then continued on the coastal walkway enjoying the scenery and the sunshine and having to remind ourselves that it was winter!
















We then headed back to the beach as we had seen a nice cafe. It was great to sit and eat our lunch while the kids entertained themselves on the beach - bliss.







We then headed back to the apartment and the kids got into their wetsuits and walked down to the beach. The wind had got up and it had cooled down a bit but the kids didn't seem to be bothered and were jumping in the waves having a great time. We did get some very perculiar looks from people with their kids in their winter coats and wooly coats though!







Once we were home and settled I decided to head back out for another walk. It was a beautiful evening.


Another beautiful day today and we decided to have a look around the old city of Roses.




The roman remains of the old city.







St Mary's church which was partially destroyed in the invasion of 1795.




The medieval village.


The three musketeers.


The horse in the stable!




Patting the donkey.






We had the whole city to ourselves and the kids had a great time running around the old city playing with sticks pretending to be the three musketeers.


We then walked into the new city along the esplanade and found a great restaurant on the beach. Love the restaurants on the beach where the adults can eat and drink while the kids play on the beach!










Before we left Spain Penelope pleaded for a flamingo dress and of course I finally gave in!




We departed for france and arrived home 2 hours and 50 minutes later!

Location:Roses