Got up late as we could hear the patter of raindrops on the roof first thing. Set off in the general direction of Perpignan and decided to head for Carcassonne as the sun came out. It would normally be quite a short drive if using the motorways, but we’re still avoiding tolls as we’re not in any big rush. It was quite a pleasant driving along the back edge of the etangs..we could even see a few flamingoes, but then it got a bit tedious trawling through the back roads of the Corbières. Mile upon mile of grapevines, but not much else.
We were on the look out for a boulangerie, knowing there probably wouldn’t be any decent bread left as such a late hour but hunger had taken over. I ended up going in a restaurant that said it had bread for sale. At €1.30 for a tiny baguette, it was a bit of a rip off, but needs must. We then saw a sign for the medieval town of Lagrasse so made our way there for late lunch.
Motorhome parking for €8 with services? Might as well stay here! Beautiful town with two old bridges over the River Orbieu and cobbled streets with an ancient market hall in the centre. We crossed the river and went into the abbey. Not many customers today, we were rattling round the place all alone.
Outside we saw the funniest thing; behind a wall in the distance, two monks were playing volleyball in full habits! Their opponents just looked like a couple of local chaps and there was much shouting and competition.
In the town itself, there wasn’t much open, apart from a sculptor doing a bit of welding and a couple of restaurants. I would think it gets super busy here in the summer though.
