Carcassonne, located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region (France’s second-most visited tourist spot after the Tour Eiffel) was a treat. Thankfully the cloudy skies and rain kept many of the tourists at bay. Of course when it did rain we just happened upon the Bar du Vin so yes, of course we ordered a glass of wine and waited out the showers. It reminded us of when we did this very thing in Paris many years ago.

Dinner was at the Chateau right next door to our hotel and it is here that we started the foi gras and canard (duck) binge. The area is known for their wine, truffles and everything duck.

Cahors 

This is Laura’s favorite stop so far. The Cahors region is known for it’s “black” wines AKA Malbec. Over 90% of the wines made from this AOC are Malbec and we had reservations at two of the well-known Domaines. Interestingly we had a great Chardonnay along with several Malbecs at one of them.
Before our wine tastings, too much faith in the GPS map led us to stumble upon a shop that sold all local produce … and fois gras in a myriad of forms! We stocked up and picnicked along the river Lot with our baguette and duck. The little town was filled with flowers et charm.

Dinner was at the Chateau and our first Michelin starred restaurant of the trip (yes, we’re counting). 7 courses of some of the richest food we’ve had. And of course fois gras was part of it. 

The view from our room was lovely and Albert took some sunset photos over the French countryside.

Condat 

A couple of truly worth while stops we recommend now having done them. First: Grotto du Pech Merle, located in the Valley of the Caves…wow, simply the best cave tour with prehistoric art ~ 29,000 years old. 

(No photos allowed. I guess the copyright hasn’t yet expired on those cave paintings?)

Second: Rocamadour is a village that clings to the cliff side above the river Alzou that is a stop on the pilgrimage path to Santiago de Campostela. Religion has caused people to do all sort of things, like build shrines in simply unbelievable places. 

Another selfie, because.  Also we aren’t very good at these. Why is it that Al is both squinting and has a shadow across his face?  #selfail