July 1st in Carcassonne and Perpignan, France

We're in the travel mode..heading toward Spain.  Our first stop today was Carcassonne..the new city of Carcassonne.  I'm not sure how 'new' it is...but it's newer than the Old city!  (built in the 11th and 12th century!)

 This is a view of the Old City...

 Entering the Old City...

 Our guide for the Old City got us in the shade to begin talking to us... It was H-O-T!

Because it was around lunch time, everyone was put in a group...each group was given enough cash to equal 7 euros each.  The task was then to explore the city and buy your own lunch.  (McDonalds was not an option since there wasn't one around!)  We had about an hour and a half for this...at which point we boarded the bus and drove to the Old City...which looks like a castle...an incrediblely large castle.  We had a guide and she told us about the building of parts of it...pointing out all the ways it was defended... and then we were turned loose for free time exploring.  You might wonder what in the world you'd do for an hour and a half in an old 11th/12th century castle...well, it's actually a city inside with all kinds of shops, restaurants, hotels, hostels,etc.  It was HOT...but it was fun.  The biggest task for most of the groups was....where is the toilett??? 

Back in the coach...driving another 2 hours or so to get to Perpignan...we're just here for the night...then we're off for the Tautavel Man Cave in the morning...

 and our homestays!