While visiting the Languedoc region in 2008, we made a point to visit the incredible medieval fortress of Carcassonne.  This is an amazing double fortified town with 52 towers dating back originally to the 5th century. It is now recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We spent an entire afternoon there wandering through the cobblestone streets and marveling at the massive town that is surrounded by a double ring of walls, more than 3 km long.  We couldn't possibly see everything but with the assistance of an audio guide, enjoyed seeing the many churches, the market, the mansions and the cathedral.  Every corner we turned showed us another incredible sight for us to take in.

The kids had a great time peering through intricately carved windows and exploring long windy tunnels that led them to new places to discover.  Walking along the walls and seeing the awesome construction really was a treat.  And of course we checked out the shops and cafes along the main street. 

Check out what travel guru Rick Steves has to say about the general construction of the walled town and some brief history.

On our way out the kids had a spin on the antique carousel.  Kind of touristy but fun anyways.

We throughly enjoyed this site and will plan to visit again now that our apartment is only a 1 1/2 hour drive.  We recommend saving at least a day to explore this incredible sight.  It is known as Europe's largest castle and well worth your time to dive back into history.

There is plenty to do in the Carcassonne area. For more information visit the Tourist Office website at: http://www.carcassonne.org/carcassonne_en.nsf/vuetitre/docpgeintrovisiter

We are so excited to be heading to Collioure at the end of the month.  We have heard that the holidays are a very magical time in this lovely village.  

Locals get in the spirit early with a Christmas market (La Coer de Noel) that is held for 10 days at the end of November stretching into early December. Multiple vendors set up booths and stands in the Chateau Royal with craftsmen and artisans selling gifts and everything you may need for the season. The courtyard is filled with food and drink such as roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and hot tasty crepes. This is something we would definitely like to check out one year.

The New Years event is also one that is apparently quite memorable.  The party is held on the beach with dancing, champagne and oysters until the wee hours of the night.  Each year is a fabulous fireworks display over the water.  Can't wait to see this event in person!

Calling all music lovers...

It has recently been announced that the Collioure Piano Festival will be hosted in Collioure from June 27-30th, 2014.  The festival runs from Thursday right through to Sunday and includes the 6th Alain Mariano International Piano Competition along with many concerts and recitals for everyone to enjoy.

An exciting new feature will be a Junior piano competition for pianists aged 8 to 16.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to see up and coming talent.

The festival will also feature exclusive performances by international concert artists such as Juliana Steinbach, Yun Qiu Wi, Caroline Sageman and Rémi Geniet.  Visit the festival website Concours International de Piano Alain Marinaro for the full schedule.

Our dream to own a place in France started in the summer of 2008.  We stumbled into Collioure while staying in the Canet-en-Roussillon area further north.  We came for the day in order to experience the market and history of this small town.  This planted a seed and several years later we found ourselves back in this lovely village, but this time looking for a place to call our own.

Collioure has all that we have been looking for - perfect climate, history, beaches, vineyards and tons of charm.  We were thrilled to find such a beautiful space right in the heart of town, but steps from the water, where we can get to know the locals, experience the fabulous food and enjoy the wonderful culture that this area has to offer.

Part of our plan is to offer this property as a vacation rental in the periods where we can't be there ourselves.  We hope that many will enjoy the wonders of Collioure while staying in our apartment within the Chateau de la Rocasse.
À bientôt!
Kim & Denis