It was another beautiful day here in France. We awakened to sunshine and warmish temperatures. Following a nice breakfast that the hotel provided, we set out to explore this city filled with red brick buildings.

The scene just outside our hotel

Our hotel is in the old city and we wandered the narrow, winding, streets, just as we have in many of the other French towns we’ve visited on this trip. There were the usual interesting shops and cafes and then we suddenly rounded a corner and were startled by the large brick edifice in front of us – the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral. It is massive! In fact, it is said to be the largest brick building in the world. The building of it began in 1282 and it took two hundred years to complete. The exterior is certainly something to see but the interior and its intricate detail of decoration is incredible. While we were there a private funeral was taking place and it was interesting to experience, though we were surprised they allowed tourists inside during it.

The cathedral towers over this city. It is absolutely massive.
A collage of the cathedral’s exterior
While the service was conducted, we admired the cathedral’s frescoes.
There’s something to catch your eye everywhere you look.

After leaving the Cathedral, we wandered the old part of the city from ancient neighborhoods, along the riverside, to the open market, finally having a lunch we picked up at the market in a large Place (Square) near our hotel.

We found a cute neighborhood of homes quite literally in the shadow of the cathedral.
Clint went searching and found a gite (apartment) for rent there!
Next to that neighborhood is the River Tarn.
Some of the city’s homes and buildings reflected beautifully in the Tarn …
… as did the bridges.

The afternoon was spent with some down time at our hotel and then more exploring of a different section of the city. There we found several nice parks with gorgeous plantings to enjoy and fun people watching to experience.

On our walk to the parks, we found this street decorated with pink umbrellas overhead as part of a cancer awareness campaign.
We wandered to Parc Rochegude, a beautifully manicured park.
For several minutes we watched several games of petanque being played. They take their petanque very seriously here.
We also noticed just how stylish the French, particularly older women, are when in public.
Even the ducks have unique style. (Not sure this is actually a duck, to be honest).
We loved spending time in the park. It was clean, well-kept, and loaded with areas to explore.

A game of cribbage and wine helped us pass a bit of time until restaurants opened up for dinner. The usual time for that seems to be 7:00 which is late for us but just right for being in France. It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day in France but we’re already planning for a return visit before too long!