Another day another castle...

There was not a great deal we could do in the house with the builders in so as it was another sunny day we took a trip a bit further afield to see another castle!  Yes, life is hard. This time we went to Puilaurens castle, which is actually in the next department (Aude) but still only about 40 mins away.  I now take for granted empty roads, dappled sunshine through the trees and a stunning backdrop of hills and mountains.  It's such a change from my usual daily grind as I drive to work, through metropolitan Perth, stop starting at lights, and looking at the back of a 'ute' or bus. The views from the castle are not as spectacular as nearby Queribus or Peyrepertuse (which we visited a few years ago) but the amount of castle still remaining more than makes up for it.  For instance the cistern is still intact, as are some vaulted ceilings.

Afterwards we drove back but stopped again at Puivert (also in the Aude) at the Brasserie du Quercorb as I had previously enjoyed one of their tasty beers at Le Rendevous restaurant in Leran. I understand the brewery is run by an English couple who took over an old garage and converted it into a brewery.   They have a good range of beers I think starting at 3.8% and you can get it on tap there for €2.50 for a middy (half pint), which is comparable in price to the mass produced pression available in most bars.

 I think we missed rush hour!