25 June 2013

Villefranche de Conflent to Boule d'Amont France

Travelled: 78km
Stay: Boule d'Amont - free carpark   42.5797, 2.61623 

Drove further down the Têt valley to Villefranche de Conflent, a quaint fortified town with pink marble paths, where you can walk the ramparts. 

We decided to walk UP the track to visit Fort Libéria constructed in 1681 above the village, offering great views of the valley. 

We enjoyed the self guided tour and then walked back to the village via 1000 steps down through the underground passage. Quite amazing. Not sure how the legs will feel tomorrow though! 


We then enjoyed a Skype chat with our friends, Bob and Robyn back at home. Its a great way to keep in contact with family and friends.
We then drove through Vernet les Bains, well known for its hot spring baths, and stopped to visit the St.Michel de Cuxà Abbaye. Founded in 878 by the Benedictines, it had a a fascinating crypt and beautifully carved 12th century pink marble columns in the cloister, ( half of which is in the cloisters museum in New York!)


Next stop was Prades, where we managed to park outside the laundry mat. Whilst the clothes were washing, we took a quick walk and visited St.Peter's Church and its amazing sculptured Alterpiece that took 3 years to make and is reputed to be the biggest in France!

After filling up the cupboards, shopping, we headed out of town along a very narrow windy road towards Céret. We spotted a place to stay in a parking area in Boule d'Amont, a very small village in the middle of nowhere, but with a decent restaurant and hotel! The homes were also very well kept, many having had recent renovations. Had a walk around after dinner and chatted to a couple of fellow French motorhomers. Amazingly we were not on our own.

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