Carcassonne Chapter: Heritage Days--Journees de Patrimoine

Polished up for company

Every year, this weekend in September is dedicated to celebrating Europe's heritage. Often, buildings and institutions that are normally closed to the public open their doors to show off their treasures (in my snider moments, I think they show them off to the people who paid for them). Such is the case with the Prefecture here in Carcassonne.

Tapestry hangs in the entry staicase

Coveting this desk--not all the French--its lines are too clean

Red carpeted staircase

Gardens were off limits this year

Lovely mid-September day

Last year I got to visit the gardens, which were closed this year. But the building itself was open--and I got to see the furnishings and art that Monsieur le Prefect enjoys. I came away with some strong covetous feelings....some of that furniture is splendid.

Chandelier in main stairwell

One word comes to mind--parlor

Rug is rolled up--shall we dance?

Really really coveting these nesting tables

I am confident that these appointments pale in comparison to anything in Paris or some of the larger cities. But the Aude has every right to be proud of its accommodations. The rooms are spacious, not cluttered, full of light and ease. The Prefect's office is huge and there was work on his (and his secretary/s) desk. Nice to know they are earning their salaries.

Such a French piece

Dining room table is set

Gold around the fireplace

I found this room most inviting

The Presidential bedroom

At the end of the tour, there was an art collection, full of whimsy. I wished that the artists themselves had been there, and that the work had been priced. I might have been tempted to come home with one of the pieces. On second thought, maybe it was just as well, because I might have been tempted to come home with one of the the pieces!