Sleepy Carcassonne Sunday

quiet shaded park along the Aude

I have heard Carcassonne called, "Sleepy little Carcassonne,"  In fact, I myself sometimes lovingly refer to it that way.  Never is this description more deserved than on Sundays, even in the thick of tourist season.

Looking across the river at no street activity

I walked today, taking my latest "habitual" route  across the Aude on the Pont Neuf  )New Bridge,) through the Trivalle and the shaded parks along the south side of the Aude, across the footbridge and back home..  It's a bit circuitous and as the crow flies, not very far from the apartment.  But it takes me a while, even without stopping for photos, or stopping to enjoy the shade and writing a little, like I did this morning.  I encountered fewer than two dozen people, and enjoyed long stretches of time when I heard nothing but birdsong, the breeze in the treetops and the gurgling of the river.

Sunbathers along the Aude

Right now there's an end of summer look--trees are looking dry, and their leaves lack the brilliance of a May green. It has been particularly dry here and fire danger is real.  A few early potimarons--relatives of the pumpkin--are showing up at market.

One way to "shade" your house

It feels like all the world is on vacation--somewhere else.  There is a quiet and peaceful air here and no hurry or bustle: no honking horns, no traffic, no sirens, no yelling.   I went into the cool of M Bimas' shop on my walk and there were no customers, only Madame Bimas and her assistant conversing quietly.  I passed, or rather was passed by, a few joggers.  Several people were walking dogs or pushing strollers.  But we were all outside, enjoying the day. For all those people who can't stand "cities," I would invite you to try Carcassonne, especially on a Sunday.

East wind makes the Aude run "backward"