Perpignan

Perpignan was a last minute addition to our itinerary, or rather it was a substitution. Our original plan was to go from Carcassonne to Girona but we decided not to go to Girona and stop here instead to break our journey to Barcelona. In a way, I'm glad we did this otherwise we would have missed one of the highlights of our trip, the Chateau de Queribus. Unfortunately we didn't really enjoy Perpignan all that much, maybe it was because we arrived on the weekend and most places were closed. As we always do once we arrive in a new place, we dropped off our luggage and took a walk around town. Oh man, I have never seen so much dog poo on the ground in any place. We had to keep sidestepping poop and I was constantly calling out to the kids to watch where they were going! It was very unpleasant, so bad that these monkeys have renamed the place, Poopignan! 

Boys stopped for a haircut at this place a few doors down from our hotel. Not such a good idea. Don't think the two hairdressers have cut Asian hair before. Ryan's cut didn't turn out too badly but Shad's was terrible. He had to wear a cap for the next week or so! 

The Palais des Rois de Majorque (Palace of the Kings of Mallorca)

A magnificent display of Spanish architecture 

We didn't do much sightseeing here, just a quick visit to the Palace was it. This was mostly a quick rest stop to break up the long drive.

At least the food here was pretty good. Small but extremely sweet mussels.

This foie gras was good! 

Chateau de Queribus

This has to be the highlight of our time in southern France. This cathar castle is dramatically located on a rocky ridge at 728 metres altitude. Built in the 11th century, its location with its views all across the surrounding region made this castle impregnable. We took our time climbing up the steep hill and walking through the castle, going into its many small nooks and crannies. Ryan and Mia kept themselves busy standing at the different lookout points, picturing themselves at battle, shooting arrows at the enemy. 

Magnificently perched high atop a rocky hill

Lagrasse

After leaving Carcasonne, we stopped at Lagrasse, a village known mainly for its Abbey and medieval houses. It so happened that we were there on a Saturday so we were able to stop by their Saturday open air market *me secretly jumping for joy*.

Stopping for a quick rest

Smallish market but lots of goodies sold here.

So much to see, and so much to buy. If only we had more luggage space 😞

Beautiful fresh produce 

There's always a Chinese stall everywhere you go!

Once again Miss shopaholic managed to convince us that she really "needs" this bag!

Gorgeous views of the village from this bridge which dates back to the 1300s.

Taking a slow stroll through the narrow streets

Carcassonne

The medieval citadel of Carcassonne which dates back to the Gallo-Roman times sits on the hilltop town within a fortified settlement in the Languedoc area. Right from the start when we starting planning our Europe trip, we had Carcassonne on our itinerary after a close friend told us about it. What we didn't expect however was how touristy this place was, the place was absolutely teeming with people. Nonetheless, we still enjoyed "living" in this ancient fortress town.

Castle tower as we approached 

While the place is crawling with people during the day, by 6ish in the evening the place is pretty much empty with only a few people staying on to eat at the restaurants. That's when we really enjoyed walkimg around and exploring the place. 

Inside the outer walls after sunset. Walking around in search of dinner.

Dinner was the local specialty, canard cassoulet. I liked the meats but not so much the beans.

Dessert was freshly made nutella crepes. There were little stalls selling crepes all over the castle, plain ones going for just €1 each. So hard to resist the smells. Well, we couldn't and didn't!

The narrow lanes leading back to our airbnb.

These kids were exhauted and slept like babies every night.

Since we were already within the castle walls, we didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds to enter the citte. Once again, our airbnb was just perfect - location, location, location. We stayed in one of the apartments right inside the castle grounds, three minutes walk from the castle entrance. 

Our apartment 

What's for breakfast? Crepes of course! 

The entrance to the castle 

Someone was not having a very good start to the morning. Grumpy and grouchy, even more unhappy having to pose for a photo. 

A little later, a happier boy. 

Time for a feed. Someone needs food! 

Mini tapas for lunch, escargots and razor clams. The clams were delicious, steamed with garlic parsley sauce. 

Our little princess. The "crown" hardly came off her head since we bought it! 

Our tummies full, we went for a walk around the outside of the castle grounds.

The back entrance into the castle grounds 

The next day it was time to move on... one last Nutella crepe before we hit the road.

Hot chocolate to wake her little tummy.

Rousillon

Rousillon was beautiful. We walked through narrow winding streets past red stoned buildings with colourful window panes. The whole village was so colourful. Rousillon sits in the heart of the biggest ocre deposit in Europe, hence all its red buildings. It's a pity we didn't have more time to explore, having to rush to our next destination before it got dark.

Beautiful buildings lining the narrow alleyways

Bright colourful window panes in all the buildings in the village