An Unexpected Surprise at Limoux - May 16, 2024

 Our morning started with a clear view of the mountains, something that we are learning is not guaranteed each day. We should have taken this for an omen of good things to come today.

view from the kitchen

We are headed to Limoux today to taste it's famous bubbly, Blanquette de Limoux and Crémant de Limoux. The monks of St. Hilaire near Limoux first made this bubbly wine in 1531 from a local grape called Mauzac. To be considered AOP (appellation d'origine protégée - that is, made the traditional way), Blanquette must be at least 90% Mauzac grapes. Crémant, on the other hand, is made from chardonnay and chenin blanc grapes, primarily. Both are delicious.

But first, we planned to look around Limoux a bit. That, however, turned out to be difficult. Many streets were blocked by barriers, forcing us ever closer to the center of the city. We found a parking place in a lot next to the Tourist Office and even better, the tourist office was open. There we found out that the Olympic torch relay was coming through town at noon, which explained all the closed streets. There was definitely a party going on! 

a band of locals playing toe-tapping music

the crowd is gathering near the remains of the old city gate

the music was lively

Of course we wanted to watch this unexpected event. None of us ever imagined that we would see any part of the Olympics, but here we were. Of course, there were large numbers of gendarmes (police) everywhere, some carrying quite lethal looking guns. France is very conscious of terrorist acts in public places.

Nevertheless, people were happily waiting, chatting with their neighbors as they stood along the barriers lining the streets. Bands which looked to be composed of locals, many high school aged played enthusiastically. Children clearly had a day off from school and were soaking up the atmosphere.

Another band on Place de la Republic

We walked down a couple of blocks looking for a closer place from which to watch the relay. We stopped at a place where the flame would turn the corner. 

And then with no warning, it began - police on motorcycles came first. Then a parade of busses and cars advertising their partnership with the Olympics. Walkers passed out hats, small cans of Coke. 

police at the start of the "parade"

the Olympic bus (I assume for the torch carriers)

the Olympic bus has the Olympic Phryge, the mascot. A Phrygian cap is a traditional headwear that has come to symbolize freedom.

wearing an Olympic Phryge (from the website: https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1130359/paris-2024-mascots-phrygian-caps-reveal

more police

Coke is a partner sponsor

so is Fuze tea

and this savings bank, Caisse d'Epargne

And then came the flame. Everyone was so excited, cheering and clapping the runner (only he was walking). More police, a few more cars, and it was over. Walkers at the end of the parade wore bins on their fronts and collected the empty cans which made me smile. The crowds dissipated.

the streets are empty

The streets became quiet. Everyone disappeared. We ate our lunch in the Place de la Republic and watched workers dismantle and stack the many barriers.

We visited the church of St Martin and then crossed the Old Bridge (Pont Vieux) to walk along the river. At the end of the street was a winery (gee, how did we find that, Dan?) where we tasted and then bought 6 bottles which I transported back to the car on my scooter. 

You can see it is going to rain soon - seems to be an everyday thing here

St. Hilaire where the monks first created Blanquette is just 10 miles from Limoux, so we made one last stop there to visit the abbey. 

While I stayed in the car (not handicapped accessible) the rest made a quick visit just as it started to drizzle.

Judy at St Hilaire

Another great adventure in the books. 

PS We saw our first trompe-l'oeil today on our way to Limoux - on a house right next to a small country church.