Back in a country I have spent a lot of time in and a country that I love. After meeting Joe and Margaret Sweeney in Bordeaux, and after an evening of seeing a sea of green after Ireland decimated Bulgaria in the 2023 Rugby World Cup preliminary matches, we departed Bordeaux to head to Narbonne, a good stopping point before our final destination of Avignon, where we are to start our cycling trip.
Early evening swim at Plage des Chalets, still packed at 6pm, and then for a quick panache (otherwise known as a shandy in the UK) before dinner at a seafood restaurant at Gruissan. By the way, the water was warm and the sand very soft although slightly mudlike!! Lovely dinner of freshly caught prawns while the Sweeneys enjoyed a few dozen oysters. Great to be with good friends again.
Before departing for Avignon, we took a stroll around Narbonne visiting the beautiful cathedral and the fresh food markets, and walking along the Canal de la Robine. We strolled along the Cours Mirabeau which is a tree lined avenue with markets taking place there every Thursday and Sunday.
The cathedral is of Northern Gothic style and built in 1272 and is one of the most beautiful religious building in the South of France. A candle was lit for my dearly departed husband. He is shining bright in many cities around the world now.
We also visited “Les Halles”, the covered market, which showcases local produce such as olives, honey, thyme, rosemary and local fish. We sampled the delicious honey and came away with 2 pots!
A lovely way to start the day. Now off to Avignon and sadly I am feeling quite unwell.
