The Aveyron

The next chapter of my french 'sejour', was a week in and around the Aveyron region.  I spent many a summer at my Grandmother's summer home during my teenage years, so it was like coming home.

One huge improvement since my train travels from Paris to Toulouse in the 1970's, was the introduction of the TGV; Train Grande Vitesse 

It is very comfortable and takes hours off the usually long trip.

Whizzing past the french countryside was very relaxing

 

The whole trip took less that 6 hours and upon arrival in Toulouse, we were met with a lovely feast prepared by my niece, Clementine

A perfect pairing!

The next day we did a little sightseeing in Toulouse.

The Fine Arts School

 Strolling down the quay along the Garonne......

...makes for a thirsty gang....

Such a picturesque waterfront.....

 Coming up.....heading north to the Gaillac wine region.

Toulouse, part 'deux'

As Toulouse is home base for this trip, after visiting St. Emilion, Bordeaux and the Pyla Dune, it was time to head east.  With a few days to spare before heading northeast into the Aveyron, one last leisurely day spent in town was in order.

I whipped up a traditional French omelette of Tomatoes and Brie cheese, topped with arugula, to keep us sustained for our walk.

We visited a very unique museum, Chateau D'eau,
which is a converted 19th century water tower 

Two photographers, of note, Benoit Lusisere and Helen Levitt
 (which I enjoyed more), were on display

It is a fabulous unintended use of space..

..with a touch of its earlier life...

As a water tower, it sits along the Garonne River, which hosts sightseers and bridges of years gone by

 Our walk continued towards the centre of town, 

showing glimpses of its history

Just around the corner from Trish's apartment
 is a fabulous Italian Restaurant, Le Cardito.
Time for lunch!
We shared a starter of Shrimp and Tomato carpaccio....

......followed by a ballotine of salmon & spinach,
along side a yummy fettuccine

 Cheers!

Next up a day trip to the Pyrenees