Driving through Perigord

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Today we sleep in and were down to breakfast at 9:30. Everyone was a bit worse for wear because of our late night of partying. We had a nice breakfast of: baguettes, meat, cheese, cereal and hot chocolate/café’ au lait, before heading back to the old city of Rocamadour. After the short drive to the Chateau (on the top of the cliff), we were slightly disappointed to find that it was mostly closed to visitors. So we drove back around to the lower part of the cliff and parked to have another look around. There were a few stores open; however, it looked like the State Fair several weeks before opening. There was a lot of activity moving setting up and cleaning, but not a lot open for business. We enjoyed a nice walk and headed back to the car to head for today’s drive.

We made a circle tour of the cliff region ending up at Chateau Castelnaud, a restored 13th century castle, compete an extensive collection of mid-evil war instruments. Ranging from: crossbows, early guns (including, rapid fire), cannons and full size catapults. Grady love climbing around the tight spiral stairs and the narrow ramparts, while I got the “willies” watching her and trying to hold her hand. Cristiana felt more nervous in this environment; she finds the “old “stuff to be “creepy”. She much prefers the decorated Chateau’s to the fortresses. I think it was the most extensive castle site I have been to. Very educational and intriguing!!! We enjoyed driving by many more mostly still occupied Chateaus’. On the way back, we stopped in the town of Souillac at an antique store. It had so much beautiful, reasonably priced furniture, I left trying to figure out how to get an overseas shipping crate. Grady fell asleep just as we pulled in. I dropped C and L off at the hotel, and drove back down to the souvenir shop where Grady had fallen in love with a purple stuffed bear. I said she had to wait to be sure it was what she REALLY wanted. Well it was, unfortunately, the store was closed…at least I didn’t have to wake her. Lisa and I ate a light dinner of soup and bread, Grady and Cristiana reversed their “menu” meal from last night. Cristiana and I headed down to the breakfast room to practice violin while Grady and Lisa got ready for bed. We concluded our day with a brief Grady slide show, we will watch the rest on the AM.

Cristiana’s Favorite part of the day: Looking at all the stores in Rocamadour
Margrethe’s Favorite part of the day: Climbing the curvey steps inside the castle

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Photos

Rocamadour
Home of the "Black Virgin"