To Italy and Back: Limoux to Gruisson

We started our trip to Italy early in the morning. John decided we would go the “scenic way”. That always frightens me as I am still not used to some of the roads which are very narrow and sit on the side of cliffs without any barriers or protection. I did see a portion of my life pass me by as a cement truck bore down on us at great speed.

Foret Dom de Lacamp
We went south east from Limoux via St-Polycarpe (7 kms) which is a tiny village with a massive church. We drove through the Foret Dom de Lacamp which we think must be named after Jeff Camp as it is very dangerous and in bad condition. We did get lost a few times as we didn’t believe the road we were driving on could actually be a road to anywhere. The scenery we drove through was varied and spectacular – lush rain forest on the valley floors, limestone ridges and villages perched on the side of mountains.

Villerouge-Termenes
We drove through many small villages including Laroque de Fa to Villerouge-Termenes and visited the Chateau Villerouge. This is yet ANOTHER Cathar building which has also been restored to a high standard with some maps and explanation of the role of the Chateau in the fight against the Crusaders.

As you can see from the photos they are happy for visitors to help with the restoration work. Tim Newland would have work for life in

France with the amount of stonework yet to be restored.

At Villerouge there was a medieval restaurant next door but we decided not to have Ye Olde Leg of Boar and Honeyed Mead for lunch. A bit heavy for a day driving!

Back on the road we headed to the motorway via Narbonne to Gruissan on the Mediterranean coast. We moved into our tiny (and we mean tiny) room and went out for a look at the town.

Next: To Italy and Back - Gruissan