Day6 (7 Jul-2020)

Day 6.

 So, the last day at Le Cousteau came around and we packed our bags and saying a sad farewell to our dear hosts Yann and Fatima before driving south again towards the Pyrenees mountains that seemed to be waiting for us. I love this part of the trip. The rolling countryside, woods and villages passing what was little traffic on the road with those sharp distant peaks becoming even more clearer in the morning air. Once past the town with the unusual name of Lannemazan we soon we began climbing eventually arriving at one of my favourite Pyrenees villages, Arreau.

This small community, where two rivers, the Neste de Roudon and the Neste  d'Aure meet before tumbling down to the plain and farmlands we had just passed. Light refreshments at a cafe, trading under the name of the London Cafe,

whilst sitting on the small terrace overlooking the river and breathing the clean, fresh mountain air. Wonderful!

Then driving on upwards to the tunnel of Bielsa which eventually spills us out in to the arms of Spain and the Aragon province. A many curved highway then takes us down through soaring chasms to the first town of any note, Ainsa.

   This excellent tarmacked highway then carries us on towards Huesca passing, for me personally, the wonderful Bodega Somotamo(i think that it is bad name) that produces some of the finest wines in Spain. That night sees us booked into the Hostal San Marcos in the very centre of Huesca.

Dinner was at the excellent HerVi restaurant which boasts good service and excellent food in large portions. Before turning in we wandered around the main collonaded street of Huesca savouring this old city where the mountain air amplifies our voices mixing our conversation with the constant laughter of, children playing.

   The following day, after morning coffee and croissants we drove away in the sunshine and headed towards the ´Eternal´ city of Zaragoza. I say the 'Eternal city' because my first visit took place there some fifty odd years ago and there was a sign to this effect on the arrival at this very special place.

   Our coffee break took place in the shadow of the great cathedral, 'La Seo de Pillar' or 'Our Lady of the Pillar'. Then ignoring the modern motorway direct to Valencia, we opted for the more interesting route via Alcañiz.

   Here we stopped at the enchanting parador hotel

where from a wonderful view over the ancient stone walls you could see the river Guadalupe whose name is derived from the Arab language signifying 'River of light.'

 

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Day5 (6 Jul-2020)

  Day 5.

 Our first stop on this rather grey day was at the Abbye de Flaran. This Cistercian Abbye was constructed in 1156 is extremely well maintained and hosts a series of exhibitions and the occasional 'Son et Lumière'.

   Then it was on to the small but charming bastide of Larresingle which, so history informs us, was ably protected during the passing centuries by only a handful of military personnel. A finely preserved village with a few dwellings a gift shop, a couple of restaurants and an active ice cream stand.

      

   

   Lunchtime saw us by the dreamy river Baise that flows by Condom. Here in this spot, mainly dedicated to that enchanting French pastime, Boules, we picnicked before visiting the wonderful old Armagnac museum in this historic town. It was late evening before we arrived back at Le Cousteau and ready for Yann's special farewell dinner. An absolutely fine meal only touched by a sadness that we would be leaving tomorrow.

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Day4 (5 Jul-2020)

    Day 4. 

After breakfast we set out to drive along one of the loveliest stretches of road, I know to our first stop. The village of Barran as small as it is, appeals to me because of the church, Saint-Jean-Baptist de Barran, is not only set in small picturesque surroundings but also has twisted spiral church tower.

   The following village of Bassouse is also interesting.  It is the only village that I have come across where the short main road through the centre is covered and used as a market each week.

As a 'bastide' village it also has a magnificent tower that can be climbed, 197 steps, from which you can see the wonderful varied countryside of Gers.

   And so on to Marciac.

A small town close to my heart for the fifteen-day Jazz Festival held every year at the end of July until mid-August.  There is not a lot to see here so shopping for supplies we move to the lake-side for a picnic, with myself hoping that we mi
ght catch a glimpse of a kingfisher I have seen on previous visits.

   The return journey to Auch is by the tiny hamlet of Tillac. (Google photos of Tillac, Gers, France). This is a one main street consisting of nothing but a quaint Collonade of small wooden dwellings.

At the entrance to Tillac is a small restaurant with a terrace next to an old flower bedecked well where I always enjoy a beer or more appealingly Armanac.

  Sunday is Heidemarie's birthday so after a rather special dinner we danced together.

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