We spent the morning at Mirepoix's market, something we've wanted to do since arriving. This market has a reputation for being a really good one, and it doesn't disappoint. So much to look at. So many good things to buy.
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| Market stalls in front of the Cathedral of Saint Maurice |
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| Selling smoked meats right off the leg |
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| Mushroom vendor |
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| Dave found someone selling aperitif wine made from an old traditional recipe.... |
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| Of course, he bought a bottle. Ron read the label (which was in French) |
All kinds of vendors selling all kinds of goods and services, not just food. Lots of clothes and shoes, leather purses, hats and more.
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| Wood carvings |
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| Selling paella |
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| Sharpening knives |
Shops were open and the whole square was bustling with people. We plan to come back another day when it's calmer to have coffee on the square.
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| People were meeting and greeting at the market and at the cafes around the square |
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| a local craft store with lovely handmade things |
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| This young lady was busking - singing to recorded music. A nice voice. |
After lunch at home, Mad, Dave, Ron, & Chris set off on a hike to Manses, just a couple of miles from here.
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| Hosts David & Lorna live in this house. |
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| Our complex of farm buildings - our house is the white one in the foreground and our patio is the one on the left. |
In Manses, there is a beautiful Romanesque church, Saint Jean Baptiste de Manses. This church is closed except by appointment, or if lucky, when someone is at the Mairie (town hall) across the street from the church. Luckily, they found the mayor in and he opened the church for them to explore.
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| Saint Jean Baptiste in Manses |
The church has been restored from its early days as a priory attached to the Benedictine Abbey of Montolieu (Carcassonne Diocese).
Most remarkable is the stained glass window that sits horizontally in the ceiling of the transept crossing. A good walk to end a good day.
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| the crossing in the transept |
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