South of France Day 1: Toulouse - Carcassonne - Sete

We arrived at Toulouse-Blagnac airport before 10 am. Our car was ready for us at the terminal car park. Paul was jumping from joy having discovered it is a diesel Alfa Romeo's Julietta. This baby does about 90 miles/gallon. She is grand!
After changing from jeans to a summer dress/shorts we set off for the city centre.

Inside the Capitole (one of the municipal buildings)

Basilica St. Sernin (pilgrimage site on the
way to Santiago de Compostela)

Toulouse is a beautifully lush and clean city. Residents jog and cycle along the tree lined boulevards especially the one along the Canal du Midi. You will spot barges and boats full of character floating along the canal which appears green (likely from vegetation, not toxic material).

Toulouse is fondly called the "pink" city for its distinct pink hue of the brick visible at dusk.
We admired this city as we visited the main square - Place du Capitole, Basilica St. Sernin, and strolled along the Garonne river admiring the 16th century bridge - Pont Neuf. We had our first of many pain au chocolat for breakfast and really enjoyed eating outdoors in the sun.

The Capitole facade

Pont Neuf

View from Pont Neuf

Lilac in bloom!

 We would have loved to stay longer to enjoy this pleasant city, but it was time for Carcassonne. The fortified city was a stronghold for Cathars until its fall to the Crusaders in 1209. The citadel, which was largely restored in the nineteenth century is a true marvel. The first glimpse of it is incredible, as you approach the ramparts through the town.The citadel was the inspiration for the castle of Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

Cite of Carcassonne

We made it to Sete at dusk. Exhausted, and ready for dinner. Sete is a small fishing town. It was our strategically chosen stopover on the way to Montepellier the next day.

Paul drove really well on the "wrong side" of the road. The sensitive to gear changing car did stall quite often... (no, you will not convince me to own anything but an automatic auto-mobile)

Sete

Paul really liked his sea snails