Escape to France

After a couple of days of the Festa Major de Gracia (see previous post), we decided to get out of Dodge. There was just so much noise and activity, not to mention people, in and around our neighborhood, we just needed an escape. Since it was a last minute decision and the middle of August (when everyone in Europe is on vacation), we had slim pickings for destinations. We wanted to go someplace within driving range, where we could relax and have downtime and we needed a place we could take our dog, India, and our cat, Bisoux. This was the first outing for Bisoux and we thought it was time to give it a try.

I found a place on Airbnb that is located about three and a half hours away, on a mountain in France relatively close to Carcassonne. The house was "rustic" per the Airbnb advertisement and it was rustic, but it was also dirty. We dealt with the dirt (by running the vacuum cleaner and womping up when we first got there) and then focused on enjoying the outdoors. It really was a lovely spot, isolated in the mountains with rolling fields, forests with numerous paths and its own little lake. A goat and two cats (and two new kittens) live there full time so with our dog and cat, we had a zoo!

We took a day trip into Carcassonne which was amazing. We didn't spend much time in the medieval city, but plan to go back with there are fewer tourists. We also visited a cool vineyard, tasted wine and purchased lots for our home back in Barcelona. It was fun wandering around the house where we were staying and we documented the event with lots of pictures. There was a little rowboat at the lake so we took advantage of it and enjoyed an afternoon among the water lilies.

We won't be going back to that particular house, but it was a nice escape from the craziness of the festival! We all (dog and cat included) enjoyed the respite on the mountain in France.

Details from the front of the house.

Bisoux in the bedroom window.

Bucky and Bisoux having coffee.

A dream catcher and yoga platform on the property.

Lunch in Carcassonne. 

The Medieval City of Carcassonne. 

More Medieval City pics!

Checking out the locks on the Canal du Midi.

Had a glass of wine here enjoying the view.

India loved the trails in the forest.

Interesting outside bath!

Just thought this was cute!

Dinner outside!

India hoping for leftovers!

Bisoux loves running water. This was a fountain at the front of the house collecting water that came down the mountain.

I took a lot of pics of Bisoux since this was his first outing!

India exploring in her raincoat.

Taking a picture of Bucky taking a picture!

On a roman bridge near the house.

Heading down to the lake for a row!

Here's the little boat.

And we are ready!

I am a rower!!!

See, there really were water lilies!

I am proud of my rowing skills.

India wasn't so sure about us being out in the boat.

Jean, India and the goat! Oh my!

Another one of Bisoux in his element.