Here are a few snaps from our delicious little escape!
We flew to Toulouse and then took a train South to Ascou, a tiny village in the Pyrenees where we stayed four days at 'Le Belvedere', a gorgeous Bed and Breakfast overlooking the mountains.
(We did manage to arrive just after the most enormous storm, hence the rather brooding skies)
Breakfast was uncomplicated and delicious; huge bowls of fresh coffee or tea, yogurt, fruit and piles of fresh bread from the local Boulangerie, heaped with local honey and homemade jams.
The rooms were comfortable and spacious, and most importantly cool, as the temperature outside was around 30 degrees every day we were there. There were no shops, hardly any people, no television, perfect for total escapism!
From this comfortable base we were able to do several walks in the higher mountains including a spectacular hike around the Pic de Tarbescou, at an altitude of just over 2000m. It was stunning! We now, of course, have about 7 billion photographs of mountains...here are just a few.
Wild strawberries!
We did overdo it rather on the last hike as we got slightly lost and added an extra chunk to the route, so we spent the next day resting our feet, visiting bars and sampling ice cold Panaches (shandy) and a local speciality, Croustade au Pommes, in the nearby town Ax-Les-Thermes.
Next stop the beach! We bid a sad farewell to the silence and calm of the mountains and headed to Narbonne, a small town near the Mediterranean coast.
We had a lovely few days ambling about enjoying the quiet bustle of the town, breakfasting on fresh Chocolatines (Pain au Chocolat) and tiny cups of coffee and spending our time sitting in bars reading and wandering through tiny bendy streets, the ancient Cathedral and the market hall full of stalls piled high with fresh local produce.
I love visiting Churches, particularly when we're on holiday. I love having a tiny moment in the excitement and enjoyment of an adventure, when it feels like the rush of the world stops and you are completely and totally the focus. Nothing is expected of you and nothing judged of you. It is also an opportunity to say thank you for the jolly time you're having. I always find Churches comforting; not only because they are devoted to God, but also because there is something in the history of them, the hundreds of people over generations who have come to these places to praise God together, to pray, to share in happy and sad occasions, to make friends and grow communities. They are also extremely cool in the burning heat of the day!
Moules-Frites - an absolute necessity near the coast!
There was one day which was slightly cooler and so we took the 1euro bus to the beach and had a perfect not-too-hot day sploshing about in the milk warm sea, scoffing Chichi and walking along the beach people watching.
Although it looks like England-y sort of weather, it was in fact about 27 degrees.
We spent the last couple of days of the holiday in Toulouse, doing much the same as we did in Narbonne. Having ticked the Basilica and Cathedral off the 'things-we-should-see' list, we then ambled about the streets, stopping off in bars for a drink or an ice cream, dipping in and out of shops and generally mooching about.
It was secretly quite nice not being able to cook!
For once, our arrival into Britain was in glorious sunshine and something around 27 degrees which did help make the return home slightly less depressing, although now the weather is back to its usual tricks and indecision which is very dull.
Luckily we can flick through the photos and reminisce!
Completely lovely, and i now feel as if i have been on holiday too! Which is actually wonderful, because I haven't!! Great snaps, especially the bakery one - it just reminds you that you must be somewhere foreign when you see how different the basic staples look, such as bread.
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