Narbonne to Bilbao

Whenever we are near Southern France we stopover in Narbonne to catch up with cousin Nancy and Sasha. Three days of eating and drinking may not be strictly needed given what has gone before but it is impossible to turn down. We did however do some tripping to burn off some of the excesses. Carcassonne was our first port of call. We walked up from the town and were rewarded with this magnificent view. It was certainly more convivial wondering around the castle in mid 20°C than the 30+°C of our last visit (see blog June 2009).

We also decided to call  into the Canal Du Midi which we plan to do in 2016 for sister Jo’s 60^th. We arrived at the locks near Beziere just in time to see some boats locking through one of which was crewed by a team of Aussies. They were having a great time and suitably decked out with flags, French shirts and berets. (The reason given for the garb was that it saves on washing apparently!) The locks are operated in twos and as a result there is a tidal wave and plenty of spray when the furthest lock is opened.

We also revisited the amazing Étang de Montady which is a drained lake (the radial drains are collected at the centre and use a tunnel to take the water away). This was constructed in the 1300s (although some suggest it dates back to the 400C and the Romans). What we did not realise last time (blog Aug 2011) was that our viewing hill (Oppidum d'Ensérune) was on top of the canal.

In the evening light it is a beautifully peaceful scene away from the hustle and bustle of the locks.

Our visit coincided with an annual trip that two of Nancy’s friends (Rowena and Liz) make. EOur second evening was spent at the restaurant that N&S should have shares in (being at least weekly contributers). We were introduced to some wonderful wine from the region and Nancy immediately got onto the website to see their opening hours which included Sunday until 12 noon.

Due to a somewhat lazy departure we found ourselves arriving shortly after 12 despite some quite formula 1 type driving. We need not have worried. The proprietor (Patrick and 5^th generation) of Chateau La Voulte Gasperets was a delightful person only too happy to open up and give us a tasting and tour of the cellar. He, I think, knew the wine would sell itself and he was correct as we walked away with over a dozen bottles including a free Rose which also turned out to be excellent.

We then had to start turning for home and travelled to Northern Spain (Zarutz) where the park was on high cliffs overlooking the ocean. The views were excellent – when it wasn’t raining! This was the first time that we suffered inclement weather that impacted our travels. Our trip to San Sebastian and Biarritz was rather wet and windy. However, the appeal of Tapas was too great (and is a great indoor activity).

During our wonderings we came across this unique push me pull you truck.

The waves and swell were really pounding into the town’s river and I was lucky to get this shot from the De Zurriola Zubia bridge and remain dry (others did not).

During our second day the weather brightened and we opted for a trip to Bilbao and the Guggenheim. It is just spectacular and I suspect one that would have impressed Gaudi.

It is the changing views where a 10 metre walk opens up a different perspective and coupled with varying light make this an almost living building.

Meanwhile the puppy dog remains diligently on guard.

With that we made our way to the Bilbao – Portsmouth ferry and home.

However, the girls could not resist “Sex on the Beach” as a precursor to our last supper and discussions on future trips.

We continue to enjoy Spain and France with their rich history, colourful towns and fabulous food. It is also easy to travel with the ‘van (particulary Spain) as most motorways have so little traffic. Enhancing this with wonderful friends made the three weeks go all too quickly.