Third gear deeper into France

Reunion weekend over, we then pointed the car north towards our first planned stop at Villeneuve les Avignon.  Not too far a jump after just a quick race along the autoroute to around Beziers and a pit stop in Aix. By mid afternoon Yvonne thought she had found a piece of paradise. We had not been in this area too much since the 80s so we had mixed expectations which turned out to be way off the mark.

Our home for the two days was in a former C16 silk factory. Stone construction, interior gardens, lovely rooftop balcony and in a part of the city undergoing rejuvenation. Very friendly people who could not do enough for us. Easy access to Avignon proper which we visited on our rest day.

After a score of 10/10 we were ready for our catch up visit to the Tarn and the 'circuit des bastides'.

Lunch in Castres and then we arrived in the high heat of the afternoon to our next home Hostellerie des Gorges de Aveyron and another highlight (16/10). A former watermill in 5 acres of renovated grounds containing separate A grade restaurant, a range of exotic birds, swimming pool and our accommodation. Perfect again.  We were pretty much the only guests so were spoiled completely.  Breakfast served on the terrace overlooking the place. I could go on but suffice to say we loved it.

But the heat over our days there was another thing.  We duly toured the bastides of Puycelsi, Castelnau de Montmiral and Bruniquel as well as the 'City in the sky' of Cordes sur Ciel but these places were almost deserted. Either due to the oppressive heat and/or the time of year.

We have returned to these parts partly to keep alive or at least flickering Rs dwindling dream of a place in these parts. Well, even though his Canberra study has Bruniquel as its focal point, these idyllic places are just too sleepy outside of July/August to be a realistic idea. The only option for us around here would be the city of Albi - a gem.

And now time to head for a rest in the Lot. Macron is kicking a few goals but will that be enough to give energy to these parts of La France Profond?