Roussilon - Toulouse - Chateauroux and rugby

Friday 28th September (Canet-en-Roussillon to Toulouse)

Awoke to see snow on the Pyrenees! Left at around 10am having decided to travel overland through some backroads to the medieval village of Carcassonne. The tiny villages on the backroads were delightful, with many ruined castles and the beginning of autumn leaves falling. The road was very windy and narrow, but Pam negotiated these well (albeit nervously). Stopped at a small village called Limoux for lunch. Apparently this area is a good training ground for cyclists and there were quite a number of Americans around. Pam was delighted as there was a small market here and we waited in a restaurant but received no service, so went across the road to a sandwich shop and had vegetarian quiche instead. On to Carcassonne where we had another “turn the corner moment” to be greeted by an amazing medieval walled city which had been beautifully restored and preserved. It lures more than 2 million visitors a year. The city walls are but the last in a line of fortifications built by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Franks. In the 13th century they protected one of the major Cathar strongholds. Spent about 2-3 hours here just marvelling at the architecture and authenticity of this village. Glad we were not born in this era! It also had a number of hotels within its complex, as well as a beautiful old church. Had a great afternoon tea of crepes, fresh cream with Grand Marnier. Off then to Toulouse and the Sofitel hotel for a well deserved lovely sleep with a soft bed and comfortable pillows which we did not have at Roussillon. Watched rugby then had dinner at hotel and off to bed.

Saturday 29th September (in Toulouse)

Had a great sleep, explored shops for 1 hour then off via public transport (metro) to the stadium to watch New Zealand play Romania. Good weather and good game with N.Z. winning 87 vs 8. Great moves by N.Z. – they look very hard to beat. Pam feels that Australia has no show against N.Z. unless they really improve their game. Were not playing with their usual team though – not sure whether this was because of injury or because Australia were just resting some of their key players. Caught the metro back to city centre, found a pub which served coffee as well as beer, and watched Australia defeat Canada (36 -10) but not very convincingly. Back to our hotel to watch Wales vs Fiji. Definitely one of the most exciting games we have seen with Fiji winning with a very close finish. This is the first time that Fiji has qualified for the quarter finals. Good on them. Down the street after this match to grab some dinner before returning to our hotel to watch Italy vs. Scotland (as our son-in-law is a Scot we felt an affinity with this team). Scotland did win 18 -16 but we really felt that Italy played a better game. Great result for Scotland as they are now also in the quarter finals. Off to bed as we leave in the morning for Chateauroux.