The long and winding road ...

Quillan seems to be a seasonal town, water activities, music festivals and holiday makers in summer and skiing close by in winter. At the moment it is just a quiet French town with locals and a surprisingly big population of English expats. We have had a couple of laid back, lazy days of reading, strolls and the odd coffee or wine at the brasserie across the road but we have also managed excursions to local chateaux and landmarks. We've driven along winding mountain roads. We won't pass a slow car but french drivers don't have trouble passing us and the slow car in front. It does cause the occasional gasp.
We haven't done any serious walking, having been put of by the trekkers we see striding through town. They forge ahead with boots that take no prisoners, walking sticks and backpacks. I think the walks aren't for the faint hearted or relatively unfit. The walkers scare me, imagine what the track must be like. Anyway that's my excuse.
Have met our lovely, upstairs  neighbour who actually owns the only Citroën 2CV (my favourite car) in the village - we bonded instantly. We even had taken a picture of me lurking near it. They are not made anymore but she showed us a catalogue from which you can buy every nut, bolt, screw, part, panel and windscreen wiper. I always thought it was a meccano car. I think I'll start buying bits and build my own! We convinced her to come out for a meal with us on Friday night to a pizzeria she recommended. Delicious!

Friday was a slow start with overcast, cold weather so we stayed inside for the very important streaming of the ABC broadcast of the Hawks V Geelong prelim final. Thankfully, a Hawks win.
We then headed out on the road to the small village of Puivert. The road out of Quillan was pretty steep and winding but eventually opened out onto a lush plateau growing sunflowers, grapes and many other crops.

There is a Cathar castle up a precarious track above the town. The owners have restored parts of the castle and inside the walls is a grassed area that looks like it's used for medieval fairs.

Today our little car huffed and puffed its way over some rather steep and winding roads. These roads seem to be favoured by motor bike riders and the odd ( meaning you must be mad) cyclist. The scenery was amazing, I got to watch, Chris got to keep his eyes firmly on the road. As we got closer to the small village of Lagrasse we passed many vineyards so we're looking forward to tasting some of the local wine. Old covered marked near our front door:

We managed to find our way to our very charming  apartment that is right by the river. The place is quiet and rather beautiful. The village with its narrow streets, old stone buildings and church (with the compulsory bell that chimes the hour) will be fun to explore over the next few days. Here's Steph in the lounge room.

Note: No mention of the Swans.