the castle within the castle

gargoyles

moi

weird Dr Seuss trees

La Cite'

After Arles and the Camargue, we moved on to the Languedoc area and Carcassone.  Carcassone is famous for it's walled citadel, La Cite', from the 12th century.  Within the walls there is an entire little village and another walled, moat surrounded castle!  It has more than 2 million tourists a year.  It was packed while we were there and difficult to navigate it's narrow streets.  I cannot imagine during the summer.  Now the town of Carcassone, with this tourist magnet, UNESCO site in it's midst, should be, one would think, a destination of it's own.  The countryside surrounding is lovely.  The sea is only 1/2 an hour away.  The weather is spectacular.  But no!  Another big surprise.  Carcassone proper is an absolute dump.  It is decadent in the true meaning of the word.  What was once obviously a prosperous, attractive little city has fallen into decay.  Easily 1/3 of the shops are boarded up.  The buildings are dirty, in need of serious repair.  The sidewalks are unwalkable.  The green spaces are untended and trash filled.  There are street people and gypsies everywhere.  It is depressing beyond words to see such beautiful old buildings in ruin.  We were shocked.  How could the monies brought in by La Cite' not trickle down to the town below?  Dunno.  We left as soon as possible and again headed to the seaside to see the coastal towns.  We were rewarded.  Here we found Narbonne.

Famous Cathedral wrapped up for Christmas

Canals and houseboats abound

I love these guys!

And look!!!

When we drove to our hotel that night we passed this sign, obviously put up in honor of Trump!!

The saga will continue!  xxoo me